• Admissions
• Secondary admissions
• • Deciding on the right school for your child
  • Application results
  • How do Islington's waiting lists work?
  • Contact details for other LEAs
  • Application for transfer from primary to secondary school in September 2009
  • Frequently asked questions and other information

How do Islington's waiting lists work?

If your child did not get a place at any of your preferred schools, their name will automatically be added to the waiting lists. The waiting list includes the names of all children who would like a place at the school, but for whom a place is not currently available. If a child already holding an existing offer turns down the place, this vacancy will then be offered to the child whose name is at the top of the waiting list.

For community secondary schools the order of the waiting list is agreed using our admissions policy - this mainly concerns the distance from your home to the school. At secondary transfer and during year 7, the waiting list for each school is divided into categories so that those who made their application after the closing date will be dealt with after those who made their application at the correct time, unless there are special circumstances as detailed in the section relating to applications received after the closing date.

A child's position on the waiting list can go down as well as up - for example, if a child on the waiting list moves nearer to the school, the waiting list may need to be revised. The offer of a place does not depend on the length of time your child's name has been on the waiting list.

Details on waiting list procedures for schools outside Islington can be obtained from the admissions section responsible for that school.

What should I do if my circumstances change?

If your address changes and you want your child to stay on the waiting list you should let the School Admissions Section know on 020 7527 5836. You will be asked to provide proof of any change of address.

What else should I do?

You should accept a place at an alternative school while your child's name is on the waiting list for another school or if you are awaiting an appeal. Accepting a place at another school will not affect your position on the waiting list or the outcome of your appeal.

How the waiting list will operate after Year 7?

From Year 8, all pupils on the waiting list will be considered according to the criteria in Section 2, whether the application was received on time or not.