In-year admissions

Step 4 – what happens after you apply for an in-year school place

Receiving the outcome of your application

You will receive a decision within 10 to 15 school days after your application has been processed.

  • If a place is available at one of your preferred schools, you will receive an offer by email or letter
  • If we cannot offer a place at your chosen schools and you live in Hartlepool but do not currently have a school place, we will offer a place at the nearest school with availability

Appeal a school place decision

If your child is not offered a place at your preferred school, you have the right to appeal to an independent appeal panel.

School admission appeals

Frequently asked questions

How will I find out which school my child has been offered?

  • If you applied online, you will receive an email with your offer
  • You can also log in to the online application system to view your offer
  • If you applied using a paper form and did not provide an email address, your offer will be sent by letter to your home address
  • You can request a letter when applying online if you prefer

If my nearest school is full, can I get help with travel costs?

Yes. If no school place is available within the statutory walking distance, you can apply for help with school transport.

  • up to 2 miles for children under 8
  • up to 3 miles for children aged 8 and over

School transport information

What if I change address during the application process?

Contact us as soon as possible. You will need to provide proof of your new address, such as:

  • a tenancy agreement, or
  • evidence that contracts have been exchanged

Can I get help with school meals or uniform?

Yes. All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 in state-funded schools are eligible for universal infant free school meals.

From Year 3 onwards, you may be eligible for free school meals if you receive certain benefits.

Free school meal information

Why should I include three preferences on my application?

We strongly advise listing three schools to increase your chances of getting a preferred place.

  • Listing only one school does not improve your chances
  • If that school is full, your child may be offered a place at a different school