Finding out your school place and next steps
How will I know what place I have been offered?
National offer day is 1 March or the nearest working day where this falls on a weekend or bank holiday. For 2025, national offer day is 3 March 2025.
If you apply online, you will receive your school offer by email, you will also be able to view and accept or decline the offer via the citizens portal.
If you submit a paper application, you will be notified of your school offer in writing. Letters will be posted on offer day or the nearest working day.
What if I do not get the school I wanted?
If you have not been offered a place at one of your preferred Bolton schools your child will automatically be added to the waiting list. You will also be informed of your legal right of appeal. An appeal form is available on the School Appeals pages, along with information about what to expect from an appeal. If you have been refused a place at a school in another local authority, you must contact them direct to place your child's name on the waiting list.
What happens if I apply late?
Applications submitted after 31 October are classed as late and not considered until after all applications that were received on time. This means that you may not receive an offer of a school place until after national offer day.