Information about Transfer To a post-primary school

1st Feb 2023

The Primary 7 admissions process for Year 8 Post Primary Applications opens on Wednesday 1st February @ 12.00pm. All applications must be placed online via the EA website. The process will close on Thursday 23rd February @ 4.00pm. www.eani.org.uk/admissions

Important: Please visit Search Admissions Criteria to read the admissions criteria for all post primary schools and access support resources including tutorial videos and guidance documents to help you complete a post primary application. For more information about post-primary schools, go to: Post Primary Admissions Guide(external link opens in a new window / tab)

You can find out how many places are available at each school, the admissions criteria each school uses if the school receives more applications than places it has available. You can ask post-primary schools for their prospectus. Prospectuses are available from schools’ websites and/ or in printed format and are free if you ask. Virtual tours/ viewings can be found on respective school websites.

Remember, schools must apply their admissions criteria to select pupils if they receive more applicants than they have places available. So think about how well your child meets the criteria and make sure to clearly state all relevant information in your application, such as if your child attends a feeder primary school or has a sibling attending the post-primary school. Schools can only consider the information you provide.

Your child isn't guaranteed to get a place in any of the schools you list. Even if your child would prefer to go to a grammar school, it’s important you include one other type of school on their Transfer application. Types of school

Of the pupils who were not offered a place in 2022, there was 56% whose parents had listed only one to three schools. To ensure the best chance of getting your child into a school of your choice, it is important that you list sufficient schools.

We recommend that at least for schools are listed in your order of preference, including one non-Grammar school.

When making your online application, you will be able to upload any documents that are required in the admissions criteria of your preferred schools, such as proof of address, and please ensure you upload a copy of your child’s birth certificate as this is required for all schools.

Parents can begin an application for a post primary place through EA Connect - www.eani.org.uk/admissions

You can call the EA Admissions Helpdesk on 028 9598 5595 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm
throughout the application window. The helpdesk email for parents is: postprimaryadmissions@eani.org.uk

Filling in your child’s Transfer application

Before you list a school on the Transfer application, read the school’s admission criteria. You should make sure you understand what’s needed by the schools you list.

Information schools might want

On the Transfer application, a post-primary school can ask if your child:

has any brothers or sisters at the school you’re applying to
is the eldest child, only child or eldest boy or girl in the family
is registered as entitled to free school meals

You are responsible for giving accurate and relevant information on the Transfer application form. This allows the schools you listed to consider your child’s application.

Processing applications for post-primary school places

Upon receipt of applications schools apply their admissions criteria to the information on your child’s application. If unsuccessful in gaining a place, your child’s application will be transferred to the next preference school listed on your application. This process continues until either a place is granted by a school or all preferences listed have been exhausted.

Notification of post-primary placement

You will receive notification of the outcome of the application for a post-primary place at the end of the process via the online portal. The school may also let you know of your child’s post-primary placement and the letter will arrive on the same date.

If your child doesn’t get a place in any of their school preferences, you will be asked to choose from other schools that still have places. You will also be advised of how to appeal a decision about a school place.

Further information can be found on the Education Authority website(external link opens in a new window / tab) at the time placement notifications are released.

Appealing a decision about a post-primary school place

There will be a deadline for you if you want to appeal a school’s admission’s decision. The deadline for receipt of appeal forms against Year 8 decisions by post-primary schools is Thursday 1 June 2023, no later than 4pm. Find out how to appeal a school’s decision at: Appealing a school place decision

More useful links