Information on school admissions for anyone living in or moving to Dorset who requires a school place for their children.

Please note that you are not guaranteed a place at your catchment or preferred school as it could be oversubscribed. You must contact School Admissions to discuss making the application.

You must read the Parent's Guide 2010 - 2011 [275kb] [PDF] (opens in a new window) before making your application. It gives all the information you will need, including the school admissions policy for community and voluntary controlled schools. Once it has been read, you can complete an application form using the application instructions page.

• If you live in another local authority area (including Bournemouth and Poole) it is recommended that you contact their school admissions team to enquire about school places
• If we can offer your preferred school and it is not your catchment school please note that daily travelling arrangements and costs will be your responsibility.  Younger children are not guaranteed a place at the school, and your child will not be guaranteed a place at the recognised receiver school. In the last two instances, if you make an application, the admissions policy will be applied
• For free, independent advice on how to complete a form, please contact one of the  Choice Advisors [32kb] (opens in a new window)
• To appeal having been refused a place visit School admissions - appeals
• To go on a waiting list, please complete the form and return it to our school admissions team.  If it is a voluntary aided, or foundation school, please contact the school directly
• If you feel you need help with transporting your child to school, please read the guidance on pages 13 and 14 of the Parents' Guide before downloading the Transport Request Form.  This must then be submitted to School Admissions with supporting evidence. Transport is offered in limited circumstances only
• For past data on school allocations please see Admissions data. Please note: this is for information only and has no bearing on current or future allocations

• Catchment areas for schools

  Find out which school catchment area your address or area is in.

• Frequently asked questions

  Please read this information before contacting the Dorset LA or individual schools - the answer to your question may be here.

• School admissions - appeals

  Once you have received written notification that your child has not been allocated a place at your preferred school, you have the opportunity to appeal to an independent appeal panel. You cannot appeal until you have this written notification.

• School admissions consultation documents

  Consultation is an important part of the process of formulating and determining admission arrangements. All admission authorities are required to consult on admission arrangements for an eight week period.

• Supplementary application forms

  Some schools within Dorset Local Authority require applicants to fill in forms in addition to the standard forms.

• Useful explanation of terms

  See below for useful explanation of terms including information on starting and transfer school ages and Key Stage ages.

• Useful contacts

  People and organisations who can help you.

• Admissions data

  These pages provide data taken from admissions and transfers in 2009.

• How to apply for a school place

  Finding out the outcome of your application