Find your local authority

School admissions are run by your local authority (council) — the one where you live, even if the school is in a different area. Enter your postcode to find yours, then apply on GOV.UK.

You can enter just the first part (the “outward code”, e.g. CB4).

Enter a postcode above to find your local authority.

Why your local authority matters

You apply for school places through the authority where you live, which publishes the composite admissions booklet, sets term dates for the schools it maintains, and handles appeals and waiting lists. In two-tier areas it is the county council (for example Essex or Kent), not the smaller district council. For how admissions work, see school admissions explained, and for distance rules see catchment areas explained.

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