Making an application
You can apply for a secondary school place using our online portal.
If you don't have access to the internet, call 0161 912 5007.
To select a school in Trafford within your application, start typing the school name in the box provided. To select a school in another area, use the ‘search for school outside local authority’ function.
You can submit a reason for your preference for a particular school. Make sure your reason relates to the school's oversubscription criteria.
After you apply
Once you have submitted your application, you will receive a confirmation email.
If you do not receive an email, call 0161 912 5007 or email school.admissions@trafford.gov.uk.
Late applications
It is the parent or carer's responsibility to make sure you apply by the deadline.
Applications received after 31 October are considered late applications. They will only be considered after all on-time applications have been processed.
Changing an application
Before the 31 October deadline, you can make changes to your application at any time by logging into your online account. We will use the last application you submitted by the deadline date.
Changes after the deadline will only be considered once on-time applications (and their changes) have been processed.
If more than one application is received for a child, we will only consider the last application received.
Home address
A child’s home address is defined as their permanent, full-time residence. It cannot be that of a grandparent, relative, or childminder.
For separated parents, if a school’s admission policy doesn’t specify how applications are handled, we follow our own policy: the application is based on the address where the child primarily lives.
If residency is shared equally between two homes, you may choose which address to use for the application.
Changing your address
You must inform us immediately if you move. Your new address may affect school priority, and failure to report it could result in your offer being withdrawn.
If you change address after the 31 October deadline, your application will be processed using your previous address until National Offer Day (or the next working day after 1 March).
If you're not offered a preferred school, you can apply for vacancies in the review process. This will require proof of residency and confirmation that your previous property has been vacated.
Some schools may have different deadlines for when you move. You should always check the processes and policies for individual schools.
Fraudulent or misleading applications
We expect all application information to be accurate. Providing false or misleading details, such as a dishonest address, undermines the fairness of the admissions process and is treated seriously.
Suspected fraud will be investigated, and any place offered on false grounds may be withdrawn, even after your child has started school.