How Bexley decide primary school places
Here’s what happens when we get your application
- We treat every school you list as a separate application
If you’ve applied to a school we run, we look at it. If it’s to another kind of school, like an academy or faith school, their governing body looks at it. At that point, no-one knows which order you’ve put them in on your form.
If there’s more than one place available, we’ll offer you the one that’s your highest preference.
- We use published school admission arrangements for the academic year 2027/2028 to decide places where there are more children applying than places available.
How we decide priority for primary school places in Bexley Maintained Schools (Listed as Community)
Priority 1 – Looked after children
We’ll give priority to children in public care, or who were in public care just before being adopted or made subject to a Child Arrangements Order or Special Guardianship Order. A child qualifies if they’re defined as ‘looked after’ in section 22 (1) of the Children Act 1989.
Priority 2 – Medical reasons
Sometimes there are medical reasons why a child should go to a specific school. At other times, it might be because of their parent or sibling’s medical needs.
You should let us know if that’s the case when you apply, with supporting evidence (unless the medical need isn’t obvious until after you’ve applied, in which case get in touch as soon as possible). We have a medical adviser we sometimes ask to review these applications. We’ll usually only give priority if the school you apply to is your nearest school – unless the medical adviser agrees there’s a specific reason why it should be a different one.
Priority 3 – Siblings at school
If your child’s full, step, half or adopted sibling or siblings already go to a primary school, we’ll consider this a priority as long as they all live at the same address (and the sibling isn’t about to transfer to secondary school or in the school nursery). This still counts if they’re in a junior school, and your child is applying for the linked infant school.
If your children are from multiple births (for example, twins and one twin receives a place), the others are usually offered a place as an 'excepted pupil'.
Priority 4 – Children of school staff
If a parent has been working at a Bexley school for more than two years before applying for a place, we’ll consider their child a priority for that school. If it’s been less than two years but the parent filled a post due to a provable skill shortage, we’ll also consider that a priority.
Priority 5 - Distance
There is no such thing as a catchment area in Bexley. We fill places with those children living closest to each school (this is classed as proximity), but there is no set distance to qualify. Being close to a school might increase your chances but does not guarantee a place.
We measure distance as a straight line from your home address to the school. Your home address is wherever your child lives with the parent or registered guardian who is their main carer (and eligible for Child Benefit or Child Tax Credit), at the time you applied.
If two families live at the exact same distance and there are no other priorities to consider, we’ll draw lots for the place.
If your child doesn’t get an offer from any of your preferred schools, we’ll offer you a place at the nearest school or a school within a reasonable travelling distance, that has an available place.
All other kinds of schools decide their own, and you can find them by contacting that school or reading our Admission to Primary Schools 2027 to 2028.
If your child has a statement of educational needs or an Education, Health and Care Plan naming a specific school, they’ll be given priority for a place but do not have to complete the application form.
It’s worth noting that, although distance is something we look at, there’s no such thing as a catchment area in Bexley, and being nearby doesn’t guarantee you a place.
After your child is offered a primary school place
If you applied online, you’ll hear by email after 5pm on 16 April 2027. If you applied using a paper form, we’ll post you a letter, 1st class, on 16 April 2027.
What to do when you get your offer
If you got your first preference school, you don’t have to do anything. We’ll assume you’re accepting it unless you tell us otherwise.
If you got an offer for any other school, let us know right away whether you’re accepting it. You can do it online if you applied that way, or using the form in your letter. If we don’t hear by 1 May 2027, we can withdraw the offer.
What to do if you didn’t get your first choice
We strongly recommend accepting the place, even if you’re making an appeal or your child is on a waiting list. It doesn’t affect your appeal or list position, and you won’t risk your child missing out on a place altogether.
If you got an offer for a school on your list, but not your first choice, your child’s name will be automatically added to the school's waiting list if it is in Bexley.
If we’ve had to offer you a place at a school not on your list, you have the right to appeal for any school you listed as a preference, and we’ll send you information about that. You should note that appeals are rarely successful.
If you choose to reject a place, you must tell us where your child will be going to school from September 2027. Your child must be in full-time education once they reach compulsory school age.