The information below also applies to transferring from one school to another during the summer break.
For information on making application to the Preparatory Departments of grammar schools or to Independent Schools you should contact the schools directly.
Applying for a school place P2-P7 or Year 9-12
If you have recently moved to Northern Ireland and wish to apply for a school place for your child, or your child already has a school place but you wish to transfer your child to a different school, you will need to complete Form AP1.
Submit the AP1 form directly to the school you wish your child to be considered for. Forms may be completed for different schools at the same time. The school will respond to you in writing when a decision has been made, normally within 11 working days.
The AP1 form provides information on the circumstances where you have a right of complaint or appeal if you are refused admission by a school.
Applying for a Post Primary Year 8 place in the current school year
To apply for a Year 8 place for the current school year use the AP1 form. Your completed AP1 form should be submitted directly to the school for consideration along with your child’s birth certificate. Some schools may also ask for other documentation to be submitted e.g. to verify your address. The school will respond to you as soon as possible with its decision, this is usually within 11 working days.
You should note that some Post Primary schools will now be full and unable to admit your child. You can contact the school directly to check if they still have places available.
The AP1 form provides information on the circumstances where you have a right of complaint or appeal if you are refused admission by a school.
Age Groups
Date of Birth by Year Group 2025/2026 School Year
| Year Group | Date of Birth |
|---|---|
| Young Nursery | 02 July 2022 to 01 July 2023 |
| Target Age Nursery and Reception | 02 July 2021 to 01 July 2022 |
| Primary 1 | 02 July 2020 to 01 July 2021 |
| Primary 2 | 02 July 2019 to 01 July 2020 |
| Primary 3 | 02 July 2018 to 01 July 2019 |
| Primary 4 | 02 July 2017 to 01 July 2018 |
| Primary 5 | 02 July 2016 to 01 July 2017 |
| Primary 6 | 02 July 2015 to 01 July 2016 |
| Primary 7 | 02 July 2014 to 01 July 2015 |
| Year 8 | 02 July 2013 to 01 July 2014 |
| Year 9 | 02 July 2012 to 01 July 2013 |
| Year 10 | 02 July 2011 to 01 July 2012 |
| Year 11 | 02 July 2010 to 01 July 2011 |
| Year 12 | 02 July 2009 to 01 July 2010 |
| Year 13 | 02 July 2008 to 01 July 2009 |
| Year 14 | 02 July 2007 to 01 July 2008 |
Find a school
Use the 'Search Schools’ tool below to search for pre-schools/schools in your area and read or download their admissions criteria.
Information on places available in schools
Information on the number of pupils enrolled in each school and number of places available* in each school can be found on the Department of Education website:
School Enrolments - School Level Data
*Please note the number of places available can change throughout the year. Contact the school directly for the most up to date information.
Applying to the Exceptional Circumstances Body
If applying for a Year 8 to 12 Post Primary school place you can make an application to the Exceptional Circumstances Body (ECB) in situations where your child has not been admitted to the school you consider that, for exceptional reasons, he/she must attend.
There is no deadline for applications to the ECB. Information can be found on Appealing a school place decision on NI Direct
Transferring from Infant School to Senior Primary School
Strandtown Primary School, Belfast caters for children in the Primary 4-7 age range. The school is part of an infant and junior school collaborative with Dundela Primary School, Belmont Primary School and Greenwood Primary School.
If you wish to apply for a place in Strandtown Primary School you should read the admissions criteria for the school and contact the school directly if you require an application form or further information.