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4: The allocation process


In most cases you will receive an outcome to your application within fifteen school days.  This does not include the school holidays.

It is a good idea to submit an application as early as possible.  You can do this up to eight school weeks ahead of the place being required. There is an exception to this for children from service families with a confirmed posting. The exception only applies if the application is accompanied by an official letter that declares a relocation date. See our Service Families page for details.

Remember: if you are moving house we will need evidence of your new address.  Your preferred school may be full or there are more applications than available places. In this case, we need confirmation of your address to ensure that your child has the correct position on the waiting list, where one is held. Or we will use it to assess their eligibility for a place. 

Allocation of places

Sometimes there are more applications than there are places available. If that happens, the school’s oversubscription criteria will be used to decide who should get a place.

More about admission arrangements can be found Admission Arrangements

If:

  • there are no places at the schools you named on your application form; and

  • your child does not already have a school place within reasonable travelling distance;

your child will be allocated a place at the nearest school in Cornwall with a space available.

Change of mind

If the place is no longer required, you will need to let us know in writing  by contacting schooladmissions@cornwall.gov.uk

If you have already applied and have changed your mind about your preferences before we have allocated a place, go to our school preferences webpage and complete the online form.

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