Before you apply: researching primary schools
Applications for primary schools for entry in September 2025 open on 1 October 2024.
Schools you can apply for
You can list up to three different primary schools as preferences in your application. This list of preferences can include schools outside of Birmingham.
Birmingham City Council runs a coordinated admissions scheme with neighbouring local authorities.
If you are applying for schools in another local authority, we recommend you contact them for their admissions arrangements. This will help you decide if your application will likely be successful.
Birmingham City Council will only deal with applications for school places if you live in Birmingham and pay council tax to the authority.
If you live in Birmingham, you must still make your application to Birmingham City Council.
Admission arrangements
You must read the admission arrangements for the primary schools you are interested in to see how likely it is that your child will be offered a place there.
The admissions arrangements for Birmingham primary schools for entry in September 2025 will be available from 1 October 2024.
Primary school admission arrangements
- visit the schools' own website
- how close you live to a school is very important — schools have cut-off distances which change each year based on demand
Remember: To avoid disappointment, be realistic in the three primary schools you list on your online application form. Make sure you read the school's admission arrangements.
Supplementary information
- some schools (mainly faith schools and some academies) will ask you to send supplementary information directly to them
- supplementary information forms are available from the school
- once you have submitted your supplementary information form to the school, make sure you also submit your online application, or you will not be considered for a place at that school
The supplementary information form for Birmingham's Voluntary Controlled schools is available below. These schools include Al-Furqan Primary School, Christ Church CE Primary School, St James CE Primary School, St Matthew's CE Primary School and St Saviour's CE Primary School.
Supplementary information form for Birmingham City Council's Voluntary Controlled schools
This supplementary information form is only to be used for the following four schools if you are applying under the faith criteria for a place for your child in Reception for September 2025:
- Al-Furqan Primary School
- Christ Church CE Primary School
- St James CE Primary School
- St Matthew's CE Primary School
- St Saviour's CE Primary School
The completed form must be returned directly to the school by 15 January 2025. Details of where you return the completed form are available on the form.
This form is only a part of your application for a place at the school. For September 2025 admissions, you must complete your home local authority's common application form by 15 January 2025. For Birmingham residents, you can read the details of how to make your online application for reception class or primary school.
Virtual Open Sessions
- most schools will have virtual open sessions between September 2024 and January 2025 — visit the school's website for further details
What is classed as your child's home address?
A list of acceptable proofs is available in the proof of address section.
Travelling to school
Think about how your child would travel to the schools you apply for. You are responsible for making sure your child can get to and from school.
School performance information
Other useful information
Page last updated: 30 September 2024
