Apply to change school during the academic year (in-year transfer)

Offers, key dates and appeals

Once we've approved your application, we'll email you within 15 school days.

If you are applying for a school place starting in September 2026, it is not guaranteed that you will hear back from us before the start of term. This is because it's more difficult for us to contact schools during the holidays.

When you hear back from us will depend on when you applied; refer to the table below.

Schedule for Primary applications for September entry

Application received Offer email sent by
12 May to 5 June 10 July
6 June to 10 July 16 September
After 11 July 30 September

Schedule for Secondary applications for September entry

Application received Offer email sent by
12 May to 5 June 10 July
6 June to 11 July 16 September
After 11 July 30 September

What happens next

If you're offered a place at the school you'd like your child to attend, you'll:

  • be sent an email offering a place which you'll need to accept within 5 days
  • need to contact the school to arrange the start date

If you're not offered a place at one of your preferred schools, you'll be:

  • offered a place at the nearest school with a vacancy if you live in Buckinghamshire
  • placed on the continuing interest list if you're not offered a place at the school of your first preference

You can also appeal the decision.