Change your childs school
The school year runs from September to July. To change the primary or secondary school for your child mid-year, you need to make an in-year application.
You can apply for a school place this way after your child has started their first year.
You will need to make an in-year school application if
- you are moving to Redbridge from somewhere else and have school aged children
- you are moving home within Redbridge
- your child needs to go to a different school
An in-year application can be made at any time during the school year.
Apply to change school
Make an in- year application for a school place online
If you’re changing your child’s school in year 11, you’ll also need to complete the year 11 change of school application. We'll only accept this form if you've completed an in-year application form.
What you need
To apply for school places, you need:
- your address in Redbridge. You’ll be asked for proof of this
- up to six schools in Redbridge you want to apply to
Proof of address documents
You'll need to provide proof of your address.
You’ll need two proofs:
- your council tax reference number
And either:
- a rent book
- a tenancy agreement
- your TV license
- a full UK driving license
- a home utility bill from the last three months
You can add your proof of address when you apply.
Choosing schools
You can apply for a place in up to six schools in Redbridge. This will be your ‘preferred list’ of schools.
Advice for choosing schools
Demand for places at our schools is very high.
We recommend putting the closest school to your home or the one in your catchment area in your preferred list. They are much more likely to offer your child a place.
How to list your preferred schools
Put your first choice of school first in your application, followed by your second choice, and so on.
When you get an offer from a school, you’ll be taken off the waiting lists of the schools below that on your list.
For example, if you are sent an offer by the second school on your list, schools three to six will be taken off your list. After that, those schools cannot offer a place unless you request to go back on their waiting list.
Be truthful on your application
Applications made with false information are rejected. It’ll slow down the admissions process for everyone.
Every child is given a place in a school, even if your preferred schools cannot be offered.
Report a fraudulent school application
Report a fraudulent school application
You do not need to give us your name if you do not want to.
How our schools offer places
You’ll only be offered a place at a school if you meet their admissions criteria.
Admissions criteria
How close you live to the school is usually the most important thing considered.
Schools have other criteria’s which mean they may offer places to some children first.
Some schools, including faith schools and grammar schools, have their own admissions criteria.
Make sure you find out what a school's eligibility criteria are before you apply.
Find school’s contact information
Applying to faith schools
To be offered a place at a faith school, you need to send them a Supplementary Information Form (SIF).
You can either:
- fill out a SIF when you apply
- download a SIF from the school’s website and send it later
Send your completed SIF to your preferred school.
Changing schools in year 11
Important Update: Year 11 Admissions – Summer Term 2026
Following the Easter holidays, if you are applying for a Year 11 place, you are strongly advised to consider contacting Redbridge Connexions Team. During the Summer Term, Year 11 pupils will be entering a period of study leave and GCSE examination preparation, and providing effective teaching and examination support for new entrants at this stage may not be appropriate.
The Local Authority’s priority is to ensure that young people receive appropriate and meaningful support at this stage of their education with a focus on post-16 options. Young people who are currently without a Year 11 school place are advised to contact Connexions for post 16 education, training and careers advice, including guidance on next steps from September.
Connexions – Post 16 Advice and Guidance (Redbridge)
The Redbridge Connexions Team provides careers information, advice and guidance for young people aged 15–19 (up to 25 for young people with SEND) who live in Redbridge.
• Telephone: 020 8708 2600
• Email: connexions@redbridge.gov.uk
• Website: https://www.redbridge.gov.uk/young-people/connexions/
Connexions can support with:
• Post 16 education options (sixth form, college)
• Apprenticeships and training
• Employment pathways
• Advice for young people at risk of becoming NEET
Specialist English as an Additional Language Provision
Provision in Year 11 will remain available for pupils who require full English as an Additional Language (EAL) support, where this is assessed as the most appropriate route for the young person. These cases will continue to be considered on an individual basis.
What happens next?
You’ll get a confirmation email with a reference number from Redbridge.
We’ll email you within 10 working days to let you know which school we’re able to offer your child.
Sometimes schools don’t have places available. If this happens, we’ll put your child on a waiting list. Your child will need to continue at their current school until a place becomes available.
See where you are on a school's waiting list (login or create a MyRedbridge account)
If your child is not at school, we’ll offer you a school place nearest to you with a vacancy.
We’ve a fair access protocol to make sure vulnerable young children without a school place, are offered a school as quickly as possible.
Appeal a decision
You can appeal a decision if you’re not offered a school on your preferred list. Follow our guidance on school appeals
