If you have recently moved into the borough and are looking for a primary or secondary school place for your child, you will need to complete the in-year common application form which you can download from this page.
You can name up to three primary or secondary schools, listed in order of preference, even if you are applying for a school in another area. You should not include independent fee-paying schools. Each of your preferences will be considered individually under each school’s admission criteria. If more than one offer can be made from your list of preferred schools, we will check your application to see which one is ranked highest, and offer you that place.
You must provide proof of address with your application.
If you are applying for a place at a church or selective school, you will probably need to complete a Supplementary Information Form (SIF). Please check with each school concerned. You will not need to do this for a community school or an academy, unless they partially select children on the basis of aptitude.
Although every effort will be made to meet your wishes, it might not be possible to offer a place to your child at one of your preferred schools. We may have to allocate a place where an appropriate vacancy exists. If a place is not offered at a preferred school you have the right of appeal.
School transfers
Changing schools within the school year is disruptive and not usually in the child’s best interests, particularly at secondary level. If your child is studying for their GCSEs, other schools may not offer the same options as their current school, or if they do offer the same options, they may have a different syllabus or exam board. This could mean that the course work your child has already completed cannot contribute towards their final mark.
We recommend that before requesting a transfer, you discuss your reasons with senior staff at your child’s school. They will be happy to discuss any concerns and help put matters right.
If, after full consultation with members of staff, you still wish to transfer your child to another school; you will need to complete the in-year common application form which you can download from this page.
We can then advise you if it is possible to offer your child a place at an alternative school. You should not withdraw your child from their current school unless you have secured a place at another school.
New or returning to the UK
If your child is new to or returning to the UK after a gap of three months or more, you will need to take your child to the Civic Centre with their passport or travel document (as appropriate) and complete the application there. You will also need to provide proof of address with your application.
Fair access
A fair access protocol exists so that children with a history of challenging behaviour and those deemed vulnerable, are offered an appropriate education placement as quickly as possible.
The fair access panel meets on a weekly basis and consists of representatives from Hounslow secondary schools, the local authority and other agencies. The panel considers all information available and the child’s individual circumstances to make an informed decision as to what school would best meet the child’s needs.
Contact us
Email: admissions@hounslow.gov.uk
Tel: 020 8583 2642/2651 (between 2pm and 4pm)
School Admissions
Civic Centre
Lampton Road
Hounslow
TW3 4DN