In-year applications

An in-year application is when a child applies to transfer from one school to another, during the school year. It includes families who have recently moved into Trafford from another area. 

School holidays

We aim to process applications within 10 school days. We are unable to allocate school places during the school holidays. 

Availability of places

There are limited places available in the following areas:

  • Upper year groups (Year 3, 4, 5 and 6) in primary schools in the Sale and Altrincham areas
  • All year groups in all secondary schools in the Sale and Altrincham areas

We will always find a school place for your child but due to high levels of demand, in some areas this could take more time. We are working closely with schools to secure as many additional places as possible but you may have to travel further for a school place if you move to live in Sale or Altrincham during the school year.

You can contact us for the latest information on which schools have places available.

Find a school

Apply for a place

All in-year applications should be made through the Trafford application portal.

Apply for a school place

What happens next

Trafford is the admission authority for all community and voluntary controlled schools in our area. We will process applications for these schools.and inform you of the outcome.

Faith schools and academies are own admission authority schools and they process their own applications. You must still submit an application through our online portal. We will forward your application details to these schools for them to process. It will be the school who informs you of the outcome of your application.

Right of appeal

If you are refused a place at a particular school, you have a right of appeal to an independent appeal panel. 

Fair access

In partnership with our schools, we have protocols in place to make sure places are made available for vulnerable children and those who are having difficulty securing a school place through the usual admissions process. 

Contact us