Apply for a place at The Swanage School

Admissions for September entry

Dorset Council co-ordinate all applications for students transitioning from primary to secondary school, as part of the general admissions process for September entry. Applications usually open in September of the year before (i.e during Year 6) and the closing date is usually 31st October of the year before entry. Secondary schools, including The Swanage School, hold their Open Evenings during this period. We are also pleased to offer personal tours - see our prospectus page for more information on this.

Parents/carers are contacted directly by Dorset Council regarding the process and to make an application. Offer letters are generally sent out by Dorset Council in late February or early March.

You will find Dorset Council's guidance on their website:

Dorset Council - Schools and learning
Dorset Council - apply for a school place

Admissions policy

The Swanage School Admissions Policy for the current and forthcoming year is available on our Policies page.

In Year & Transfer Applications

To apply to transfer from another school during the school year, please e-mail us directly on office@theswanageschool.co.uk, or telephone the school office on 01929 500599. We will have a chat with you to understand the reasons why you would like to change schools and will ask you to fill in our application form. We will then consider your application as quickly as we can and write to you.

Appeals Process

If you have received written notification that your child has been refused a place at The Swanage School you can appeal to an appeal panel. More information about the appeals process in Dorset can be on the Dorset For You website. The school's Governing Body is our Admissions Authority.