Changing schools

Page updated on: 06/03/2024

Moving schools is not a decision that should be made lightly, any change of school during term time could badly affect your child’s education. If you decide to move your child to another school during the school year, we recommend that you discuss this with the head teacher at your current school. Often a simple chat can sort problems and at least give the school the chance to be aware of any problems.

If you still feel this is the right decision for your child, you MUST also speak to the head teacher of the school you are applying to move to and explain your decision so that they can provide any support if needed.

We recommend that you do not take your child from their existing school until you have been offered a place at the new school. We realise that this isn’t always possible but minimising disruption to your child’s education is vital. It can take up to a month to process your application and if you are refused a school place and need to appeal it could take a further 6 weeks.

If you need help with making the application, contact your local school. If you are applying to a school outside of the county, please contact the relevant Local Authority.

Find a school

How to apply

We only accept applications for Carmarthenshire schools, applications can only be completed online. You will need to provide the following information:

  • Parent/guardians name* and address
  • Parent/guardians email**
  • Childs name, address and date of birth
  • Choice of school – you can choose up to three schools in order of preference
  • Preferred start date (may not be the actual start date, you will need to discuss this with the school)
  • Contact details of the social worker and local authority if your child is or has ever been fostered or adopted 

* Anyone with parental responsibility must agree to this application before you submit it.
** If you don’t have an e-mail address you can’t apply online, please go to your local school and they will assist you with your application.

What happens next?

You will receive an e-mail acknowledgement of your application where you can print a copy of the completed form for your records. All correspondence about your application will be sent via e-mail.

If you are offered a place, you must accept or decline the place you’ve been offered by the date noted in the e-mail. If you don’t your place may be withdrawn.

Once you’ve accepted your child’s place you MUST contact the school to agree a start date.

You have the right to appeal (except for 3 year old nursery places) however please note, we only refuse a child’s school place if the year you are applying for is full.  You will also need to inform us in writing if you wish your child's name to be kept on a waiting list until 30th September and if a place becomes available, we’ll let you know. 

Apply for a school place

Education & Schools

Bilingual education

Find a school

School Admissions and Changing Schools

Additional Learning Needs

School transport

Emergency school closures

Home schooling - Elective Home Education (EHE)

Adult learning

School term dates

Road safety

School meals

ParentPay

Pendine Outdoor Education Centre

Youth Support

Participation and children's rights

School sport & leisure

Financial Support

School budgets

School governors

Carmarthenshire's Modernising Education Programme

Education Sir Gâr 2022-2032

Our behaviour impacts everything and everyone

Attendance Matters

More from Education & Schools