In-Year Admissions

If you move into Waltham Forest after your child started, or was due to start reception, and you would like a place in a state-maintained school in this or any other borough, you need to contact the School Admissions Service to obtain an in-year application form (called an iCAF) and find out which schools have vacancies. If you live outside Waltham Forest and wish to apply in-year for a place in a Waltham Forest school you need to contact the admissions team in the borough in which you live to obtain their in-year application form and they will liaise with our admissions team on your behalf.
 
The application form allows you to express up to three preferences for schools either in or outside Waltham Forest (or a combination of both). You do not have to use all three preferences, although using all three preferences maximises your chances of being offered a school you prefer. Applying for only one school will not improve your chances of getting a place at that school. You are strongly advised to find out which schools close to your home have vacancies in your child's year group before you apply.
 
Each preference will be considered to see if a place can be oferered. An offer will be made for the highest of your preferences where a vacant place could be offered. If there is one vacant place at your preferred school, but there are other applicants for that place, your child and other children will be considered against the school's oversubscription criteria to determine which child should be offered the place.
 
If an offer cannot be made for your highest, or any, preferences, you will be given the right to make an appeal to an independent appeals panel and you can also ask for your child's name to be placed on the waiting list of one or all of your preferred schools. If all your preferred schools are full in your child's year group, you will (subject to availability) be made an offer of a place at the community school closest to your home which has vacancies.
 
If you are thinking of moving your child from one school in waltham Forest to another, you are encouraged to discuss the matter with your child's current class teacher, head of year or headteacher before you take any further action. If your child is experiencing difficulties at their current school, talking to the school may help resolve them and make a move unnecessary. 
 
If you live in Waltham Forest and would like an in-year application form (iCAF), you may either email the School Admissions Service or download a copy of the form and guidance notes.
 
 WFprimary.admissions@babcock.co.uk for a form for a primary age child
 WFsecondary.admissions@babcock.co.uk for a form for a secondary age child
 
In-year application form (iCAF)
Guidance notes to help you fill in your in-year application form.