You can learn more about each school by:

• Reading our Parent’s Guide – there are two versions:
  • Guide for Primary Schools
  • Guide for Secondary Schools

These guides include key information like how places are offered, school contact details, and how to apply.

• Find about the catchment schools for your area
   
• Directory of schools in Milton Keynes
   
• Visiting the school’s own website – this is a great way to find out about the school’s values, curriculum, and what day-to-day life is like there.

Moving to or within Milton Keynes 

Proof of address

If you're applying for a school place because you're moving into or within Milton Keynes, you must provide proof of your new address. Please include one of the following with your application:

• Milton Keynes Council Tax reference number
• A solicitor’s letter confirming exchange of contracts
• A signed tenancy agreement

 If there are any doubts about the legality of your move, we may ask for additional evidence.

 Additional documents (If Applicable)

Please also include the following documents if they apply to your situation:

• Any court orders related to your child’s care or education
• A Military Quartering Address if you are a Service family

Moving within Milton Keynes

If your child is already attending a school in Milton Keynes and you are applying for another school within the city:

• You must ask the Headteacher of your child’s current school to complete the School Information Form
• This form must be uploaded with your application

 Applications without the completed form will not be processed

Moving from overseas

If you are moving to the UK from another country and wish to apply for a state-funded school place, please:

• Visit the UK Home Office website for guidance
• Check your child’s visa entry conditions to confirm they are eligible to attend a state school

It is your responsibility to ensure visa conditions are met. We recommend seeking advice from an immigration professional or the UK Home Office.

You can apply for a school place online using the Citizen Portal Citizen Portal here. You’ll need to complete a separate application for each child.

You can list up to four school preferences, including your catchment school.

If you need help, please call us on 01908 253338.

You can also apply to these schools directly.  Here is a list of these schools.

If one of your preference schools are one of the schools listed below, you will need to contact them directly:

•         New Chapter Primary School

•         The Premier Academy

We can’t process incomplete applications

Make sure your current school completes their section before schools close for the summer holidays.

Who makes admission decisions?

Milton Keynes City Council helps coordinate in-year school applications for all schools but does not make the admission decision for every school.

We make decisions for community and voluntary controlled schools.

Other schools, including all secondary schools in Milton Keynes, make their own decisions.

We send your application to the schools and wait for their response.

How school places are offered

Places are offered based on what’s available when you apply.
Popular schools are often full—even if you have moved into the catchment area for the school, it does not guarantee offer of a place.

• You can choose up to four preference schools on your application.
  If none have space, we will offer a place at the nearest school to your home with availability.
   
• All decisions follow the School Admissions Code 2021, which means:
  • Schools and the council must follow the same rules.
  • Places are offered based on each school’s oversubscription criteria.
  • Your local MP or the council cannot change the outcome of your application.

When will I hear back about my application?

• If you’ve applied for a school place starting in September 2025, please note this is a very busy time. We’ll process fully completed applications according to the timetable below:

Please do not chase for an outcome over the summer break – we will respond once we have an application outcome.

• At other times of the year, we aim to process your application within 15 school days (this doesn’t include weekends or school holidays).

Accepting or declining the offer

• Once you receive an offer, you must contact the school within 10 school days to accept the place.
• If you don’t want the place, please contact the School Admissions Team to let us know via primaryadmissions@milton-keynes.gov.uk or secondaryadmissions@milton-keynes.gov.uk 

📌 Important:
As a parent, you are legally responsible for making sure your child gets a full-time education.
If you decline the offer and don’t tell us how your child will be educated, we must inform the Senior School Attendance Officer, and legal action may be taken.

Want to join a waiting list?

If you’d like your child to be added to the waiting list for a higher preference school(s), please email: primaryadmissions@milton-keynes.gov.uk
Include your child’s:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Home address
• Name(s) of the school(s) 

Further information on waiting list is available here: Waiting lists for schools | Milton Keynes City Council

Want to appeal?

If you wish to appeal against the decision not to offer your child a place at any of your preference schools. 

• Appeal panels are independent and have the legal authority to consider your individual circumstances. They can overturn the school’s decision if they believe the impact on your child outweighs the reasons for refusing the place.

For community or voluntary controlled schools, please email primaryadmissions@milton-keynes.gov.uk, to request an appeal form and guide. Include your child’s:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Name(s) of the school(s) 

For other schools listed here, you will need to need to contact the schools directly if you wish to lodge an appeal: include school lists – primary and then secondary

Further information on School admission appeals is available here: School admission appeals | Milton Keynes City Council (milton-keynes.gov.uk)

Fair Access Protocol

When applying for a school place during the year (known as an in-year application), some applications may be referred under the Fair Access Protocol.  

What does this mean?

• The Fair Access Protocol helps children who may not have been placed through the usual admissions process.
• It ensures that no school is asked to take more than its fair share of children with challenging behaviour.

For full details, you can read the official guidance here:

Secondary Fair Access Protocol or the Primary Fair Access Protocol

If you’re moving out of Milton Keynes, you’ll need to apply for a school place through the local council in the area you’re moving to.

Please contact your new local authority to make an application. Find your local council - GOV.UK

Applying for schools outside Milton Keynes

If you live in Milton Keynes but you are applying for a school outside of Milton Keynes, please note:

• You must apply through the local authority where the school is located.
  Each council has its own in-year application process, so check their website for details.
• All schools use their oversubscription criteria to decide who gets a place.
  Make sure you read this carefully before applying.
• In-year applications depend on space being available at the time you apply.
  There is no guarantee that your preferred school will have a place.

Transport to schools outside Milton Keynes

• If your child is offered a place at a school outside Milton Keynes, you are responsible for arranging transport.
• Milton Keynes City Council does not provide transport to schools outside the area.
• Please speak to the relevant local authority about transport options before you apply.

What If your application is unsuccessful?

• You need to apply for schools in Milton Keynes.
• If none of your preferred schools have space, we will offer a place at a school with availability.

Tip for parents

We recommend also applying for schools within Milton Keynes using the Milton Keynes School Admissions Portal (Citizen Portal)
to increase your chances of securing a place.

Parents and carers are responsible for making sure their children attend school regularly and travel safely to and from school each day.

However, in some cases, your child may be eligible for help with school transport.

Find out if your child qualifies and how to apply:
School Travel Support | Milton Keynes City Council

This page includes:

• Who is eligible for support
• How to apply for a bus pass or alternative transport
• Travel support policies and deadlines

If you’re unsure, it’s best to check the guidance or contact the School Travel Support team directly.

Parents and carers who receive certain benefits may be eligible for either pupil premium funding or free school meals.  Find out the eligibility criteria and how to apply  Free School Meals | Milton Keynes City Council

Find out what support is available for a child with special education needs.  If you have any queries about your child’s special needs or wish to request a leaflet explaining the transfer process, please contact the SEN casework team. 

Milton Keynes City Council