Siblings
If you want your child to attend the same school as their sibling, you must name that school as one of your preferences.
When you apply, you must tell us about any brothers or sisters who will still be attending the school when this child is due to start.
For example, if you are applying for a place in September 2026, the sibling must be on roll for the 2026-27 school year and not due to leave in July 2026.
Give us their full name and date of birth.
If you don't tell us about siblings, we can only consider the information you provided. Please note that a sibling connection does not guarantee a place.
This is especially important if you do not live in the community area served by the school.
For local authority-controlled schools, the Council considers children to be ‘siblings’ if they are:
- full
- half
- adoptive or
- foster brother or sister
who live in the same household. This includes siblings attending sixth forms.
We do not include stepchildren in school admissions, i.e., when two families come together.
Other schools may have a different definition.
Out of area siblings
The Council’s admissions criteria prioritise children living in the community area over siblings who live outside the area served by the school. This began in September 2017.
You can still apply for and get into schools outside your community area. However, there is no guarantee that younger children in your family will be able to follow their older siblings.
You will therefore need to consider the possibility that your children may attend different schools if you send your child to a non-local school.
Please make sure you have read and understand the admissions criteria for your preferred schools before applying.
