Manchester secondary school admissions 2022: when do we find out high school places - and how to appeal offer

Parents waiting to find out if their child has got into their secondary school of choice for the 2022/23 school year will have news in March.

Here’s everything you know about the application process, when you’ll find out the results, and how to appeal if your child’s offer is not suitable.

What is the process for secondary school applications?

Applications to apply for a secondary school place in Manchester ended on November 1, 2021.

According to the Manchester City Council website, late applications are still open for a year 7 place, for September 2022.

When applying for a school place, it’s important to know where your catchment area is, as you will be given the highest priority for a school nearby.

When you click to apply, you are asked for names and postcodes of your preferred schools.

You will be required to answer a series of questions about your child, including their gender, date of birth and more.

How do schools decide who gets in?

Schools either use their own admission criteria or that which is set out by the local council.

If you apply late, your child’s chances of getting a place in a certain school are reduced, and it’s likely they will not get in.

Priority is given to children who live closer to the school, or have a sibling already at the school, or who attended a primary school (feeder school) linked to the secondary school.

Priority is also given to children who have a parent who has worked at a school for at least two years.

Schools that have their own admission criteria tend to be private or independent. To find out their criteria, contact the school directly.

Information  on demand for Manchester schools in 2021 can be found on Manchester City Council’s website. 

When do I find out secondary school places in Manchester?

Offers for secondary schools in Manchester will be sent out on Tuesday, March 1 2022.

If you applied online, you will receive an email on 1 March with information about your offer.

If you applied by post, you will be sent a letter on 1 March with information about your offer.

How do I accept an offer?

If you applied online and opted to be contacted by email, you will receive an email with your child’s offer, and instructions on how to accept it.

If you applied by post and, you will receive your child’s offer via letter.

This letter will contain all the information you need on the next steps and how to accept an offer.

Letters are being sent out by the council on March 1, 2022.

If you are receiving your application by email, you will receive the email on March 1, 2022.

Alternatively, you can ring the council on 0161 234 4343, press 5 for ‘all enquiries’ and then ask to speak to the school admission team, where you will be connected.

How do I appeal my child’s offer if the school is not suitable?

If you are not happy with the school place your child has been offered, you will be able to appeal the decision.

You can only appeal once against each rejection after it has been received in writing.

The government website states that you will be allowed at least 20 school days to appeal the decision made, and the admission authority will set a deadline for you to submit information and evidence supporting your appeal.

For more information on how to appeal your child’s offer, go to Manchester City Council’s website.