Coventry school admissions: Understanding the process

If you’re a parent in Coventry looking to secure a school place for your child, this guide is here to make the process easier. Applying to a school can feel overwhelming, but Coventry City Council offers a straightforward admissions system to help you navigate each step.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to apply for both primary and secondary school places in Coventry. You’ll find key dates to remember, along with practical advice on what you need to do to ensure your child gets a place at the right school.

Applying for a primary school place in Coventry

When do children start primary school?

Most children in Coventry will begin school in September after their fourth birthday. It is sometimes possible to defer entry if your child is born from April to August. However, all children must legally be in full-time education from the start of the term after their fifth birthday. 

Application timeline

• Primary school applications in Coventry often open in September 

• Applications close mid-January of the school year before your child starts reception (only applications made during this time will be considered). 

• Offers are generally sent out in mid-April.

How to apply

You can apply for a primary school place for your child via the Coventry Education Services Portal. Please note that for September 2026, a number of schools consulted and approved changes to their admissions criteria. Further information about this and the Primary School Admissions Policies can be found on the Coventry City Council Website.

Any supplementary forms to support applications on religious, medical or social grounds can be downloaded from the council website and must be sent directly to the school. 

Applying for a secondary school place in Coventry 

When do children start secondary school?

Your child will move to secondary school in the September following their eleventh birthday. 

Application timeline

• You’ll be able to apply for a secondary school place for your child from the September they begin year 6. 

• All applications must be submitted by the end of October. 

• Offers are then sent out at the beginning of March. 

How to apply

Applications are made online. Parents can choose up to three schools when they submit their application. It’s a good idea to use all three options to give your child the best chance of getting a place at a school that suits them. Make sure the school you put in the first slot is the one you’d most like your child to go to. Coventry County Council aim to offer a place at the school listed first. 

Things to consider when choosing a school for your child

When you’re deciding which schools to list on your application, it helps to think about both the practical side of things, as well as what factors are important for both you and your child.

You might want to look at: 

• Whether you live inside the school’s catchment 

• The school’s Ofsted rating and how well pupils are achieving 

• The school’s approach to learning, its values, and the activities it offers beyond the classroom 

• How close it is to home and how your child will get there each day 

• Whether the school offers before or after-school care (if you will require it)

Taking time to look at these points makes it easier to choose a school that suits your child and fits your family’s routine.

Looking for school uniform in Coventry?

Once you have a place for your child, you’ll need to start thinking about their school uniform. Make sure you’re prepared and browse our online shop or visit one of our local uniform stores.