Introduction
Before applying make sure you have read the information on the following pages.
You may need to provide additional information on your application. This could be based on your circumstances, or for particular schools which may need a Supplementary Information Form (SIF).
Please note: It is strongly recommended that you name your catchment school as one of your preferences. Your catchment school is the school most likely to offer your child a place.
Allocation of school places
Published Admission Number (PAN)
Each school has a Published Admission Number (PAN). This is the maximum number of pupils that can be admitted each year. The PAN is determined by the accommodation available at a school. There is a national formula to calculate how many children can go to a school without causing overcrowding.
Many schools receive more applications than they can accommodate. To decide which children to offer places to, different categories of students are prioritised. The order of these categories are known as the school’s over-subscription criteria (see below).
Over-subscription criteria
These describe how schools offer places to students when there are not enough places for everyone who applies. Different schools have different criteria. It is important that you check the admission arrangements for all the schools that you wish to apply for.
The Cambridgeshire Directory lists the PAN and the over-subscription criteria
You can also view how places were allocated in the previous year. This gives an idea how likely your child may be to get a place. For example, some schools may be full by the time they reach their third over-subscription criteria.
How places are allocated and your preferences considered
All preferences are treated equally. This means we will look to see if a place is available for your child at each school you have listed. We will offer you a place at your highest preference school that has a place available.
Where necessary we exchange details of applications with other Local Authorities. We will co-ordinate offers of places so each child is only offered one school place.
Making your application
Please apply for a Secondary 2025 placement using the citizen portal.
Your offer of a school place
The date you receive your offer and how it is received will vary. The email/letter you receive will detail the steps you need to take to accept or decline the offer made.
Did you know...
In March 2024, of families who applied for secondary school places:
- 87.7% were offered a place at their first preference school;
- 95.6% were offered a place at one of their three preferred schools;
- 4.4% were not offered a place at any of their preferred schools.
Appealing a school place offer
Information on appealing a school place will be included with your offer of a school place. You can also find out all about the appeals process on our school place appeals page.
Home to school travel assistance
Information on home to school travel assistance will be included with your offer of a school place. You can also find out more on our home to school travel assistance page.
Please note: If your application is incomplete, or incorrect, it will be delayed. It could also be cancelled. You will need to confirm you have read and understood all three secondary admissions webpages when submitting your application form.