Bolton Council School Admissions

1. What is the Admissions Process?

Bolton Council coordinates admissions for all statefunded primary and secondary schools within the borough. The process is governed by national legislation and the councils own admissions criteria, which aim to be transparent, fair and consistent.

Each school publishes a set of criteria that determine how places are allocated when applications exceed capacity. The council compiles all applications, applies the criteria, and notifies families of the outcome.

2. Important Dates

• January March: Register for a place (applications are accepted from 1January to 31March).
• May: Provisional offers are released.
• June: Appeals period (usually the first two weeks of June).
• July August: Final allocations are confirmed.

3. How to Apply

3.1 Online Application

The councils online portal, My Bolton Schools, is the simplest way to submit an application. You will need:

• National Insurance number.
• Childs date of birth.
• Current address and postcode.
• Details of any siblings already attending a Bolton school.

3.2 Paper Application

If you prefer, a printable PDF is available on the councils website. Completed forms can be mailed or delivered to the Admissions Office at:

Admissions Office, Bolton Council
Civic Centre, 31 Deansgate, Bolton BL1 2HR

3.3 What to Include

For each choice you must provide the schools name and the reason you are applying (if you are using a nonresidential criterion such as sibling link or special educational needs). Supporting documents, such as a medical letter, should be uploaded or attached.

4. Admissions Criteria

All schools must follow the national order of priority, but many add local criteria. The most common are:

1. Children of staff children of employees of the school or Bolton Council.
2. Sibling link a child already attending the school.
3. Lookedafter children children in local authority care.
4. Special Educational Needs (SEN) children with an EHC plan or a statement of SEN.
5. Proximity distance from the family home to the school.
6. Faith criteria for schools with a religious designation (e.g., Church of England, Catholic).

The council publishes an admissions criteria guide that explains how each factor is measured.

5. Appeals Process

If you think the council has not applied the criteria correctly, you have the right to appeal.

5.1 When to Appeal

• You were not offered a place and believe you meet a higher priority criterion.
• You were offered a place but wish to change to another school that better meets your child's needs.

5.2 How to Submit an Appeal

Appeals must be made in writing to the Admissions Office within the official appeal window (usually the first two weeks of June). Include:

• Application reference number.
• Specific grounds for appeal.
• Any new evidence (e.g., updated medical report).

5.3 What Happens Next

An independent admissions officer will review the case. Most appeals are resolved within three weeks. If the decision is not in your favour, you can request a further review by the Independent Schools Adjudicator (ISA).

6. Helpful Tips for a Successful Application

• Plan early Gather all required documents before the January deadline.
• Check school capacities Some schools have very limited spaces, especially popular primaries.
• Be honest about criteria Misrepresenting address or circumstances can lead to a revoked offer.
• Consider alternatives Have a backup choice in a different catchment area.
• Stay updated Sign up for email alerts from Bolton Council.

7. Useful Resources

• Bolton Council Admissions Portal mybolton.schoolshost.org
• School Finder (by postcode) bolton.gov.uk/schools/finder
• National Admissions Handbook gov.uk/government/publications/national-guidelines-for-school-admissions
• Independent Schools Adjudicator isa.org.uk

8. Contact Admissions Office

For specific queries, you can reach the Admissions Team by:

• Phone: 01204259544
• Email: admissions@bolton.gov.uk
• Opening hours: MondayFriday, 9am 5pm