How do I find out my school’s catchment area?

In England: check the school’s admissions policy on its website or the LA’s admissions page. In Scotland: contact your council — catchment areas are formally defined and published. In Wales and NI: check the LA/EA website. School Atlas also shows catchment information where available. The "last distance offered" figure in a school’s admissions data tells you how close you need to live in practice.

What does "last distance offered" mean?

It’s the distance from the school to the home of the last child offered a place under the distance criterion. For example, if the last distance was 0.8 miles, everyone within 0.8 miles got a place and those beyond didn’t. It’s the best predictor of whether you’ll get a place, but it changes every year.

We live on the edge of the catchment. What are our chances?

Check the "last distance offered" for the past 3 years. If the furthest distance offered is consistently beyond your home, you’re likely safe. If it fluctuates around your distance, it’s a gamble. Always name a realistic backup school as your second preference.

Can I use a relative’s address to get into a school?

No. This is fraud. Using a false address to gain a school place is grounds for withdrawal of the offer, even after the child has started. LAs actively investigate suspect applications. If caught, the place will be removed. Use your genuine home address only.

We’re renting near a school to get a place. Is that allowed?

If it’s your genuine home and you’re living there on the application deadline, yes. If you rent temporarily and plan to move back after getting a place, this is fraudulent. LAs check for this — they cross-reference council tax records and may visit. If discovered, the place can be withdrawn.

Is school transport free?

Only if you meet the statutory criteria. In England: free if your nearest suitable school is beyond 2 miles (under 8) or 3 miles (8+). Low-income families get extended rights. In Scotland: depends on the council’s policy. In Wales and NI: similar distance thresholds apply. If you chose a non-catchment school, you are generally responsible for transport.

Can I get a bus pass for my child?

It depends on the LA/council. Many areas offer subsidised or free bus passes to secondary pupils. In London, all under-18s travel free on buses and trams (with a Zip Oyster card). Outside London, provision varies enormously. Check your LA’s school transport policy.

My child has SEND. Are transport rights different?

Yes. LAs have additional duties for children with EHCPs/Statements. If the named school is further than walking distance, the LA must provide free transport regardless of whether it’s the nearest school. This can include taxi, minibus, or personal travel budget. Transport needs should be specified in the EHCP.

What if I want to send my child to a school that’s not the nearest?

You can apply to any school. But: (1) you won’t get distance priority if you live far away, (2) you won’t automatically get free transport if a nearer school was available, and (3) you’ll need to arrange and pay for the journey. Many families make this trade-off for a school they prefer.

Do academies and free schools have catchment areas?

Academies set their own admissions policies (within the Admissions Code). Some use catchment areas, others use distance-based criteria, feeder schools, or banding. Free schools are similar. Always check the specific school’s policy — don’t assume it follows the same rules as the LA’s community schools.

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Parent Guide

Catchment Areas & School Transport

Where you live determines where your child goes to school. Catchment areas, distance criteria, feeder schools, and free transport rights — the geography of school admissions explained.

20–25 min readAll 4 UK nationsUpdated April 2026AI-drafted, human-reviewed

Key facts

Schools allocate places using 6 different methods — distance, catchment, feeder school, faith, lottery, or banding
Free school transport is statutory if the nearest suitable school is beyond 2 miles (under 8) or 3 miles (age 8+) in England
Living inside a catchment area gives priority, not a guaranteed place — oversubscribed schools still turn away in-catchment families
Using a false address to gain a school place is fraud and can result in the offer being withdrawn even after the child has started
Each UK nation has different transport rules — always check your LA or council’s specific policy

Different ways schools allocate places

3mi

Walking distance threshold (age 8+)

No. of LAs that measure distance differently

Fraud

Using a false address = place withdrawn

Address fraud is caught

LAs cross-reference council tax, electoral roll, and benefit records. Temporary rentals to gain a place are investigated and offers are withdrawn.

Catchment ≠ guaranteed place

Living inside a catchment area gives you priority, not certainty. Oversubscribed schools still turn away in-catchment families.

Distance measurement varies

Some LAs measure straight-line, others measure walking route. The same house can be 0.5 miles by one method and 0.9 by another.

How Schools Allocate Places

There is no single system. Different schools use different criteria, even within the same area.

Nearest school / distance-based

Places offered to children living closest to the school. Distance measured as straight line ("as the crow flies") or walking route.

Where: Most common in England for community schools.

Watch out: Measurement method matters. Walking distance and straight-line distance can produce very different results. Check which your LA uses.

Defined catchment area

The LA draws a boundary around the school. Children inside the boundary have priority. Boundaries are published and rarely change.

Where: Common in Scotland (known as "catchment area"), and many English LAs.

Watch out: Living inside the catchment does not guarantee a place if the school is oversubscribed. It gives priority, not certainty.

Feeder school

Secondary schools give priority to children from named "feeder" primary schools.

Where: Common in England, especially for church/faith secondary schools and academies.

Watch out: Feeder school status can change. Check the current admissions policy — don’t assume it’s the same as last year.

Faith-based criteria

VA/faith schools may prioritise by faith: baptism certificates, church attendance records, priest’s reference.

Where: England (VA schools, faith academies), NI (Catholic maintained and some controlled schools), Scotland (denominational schools).

Watch out: Some faith schools require 2+ years of regular church attendance. Start attending early if this is your plan.

Random allocation (lottery)

Places allocated randomly from all applicants. Used by a small number of schools as an "equal chance" approach.

Where: Brighton & Hove is the best-known example. A handful of academies also use lottery.

Watch out: Lotteries remove the distance advantage but create uncertainty — you cannot predict whether you’ll get a place.

Banding (ability-based)

Children sit a test and are placed in ability bands. The school then admits equal numbers from each band to ensure a comprehensive intake.

Where: London (several boroughs), some academies. Not selective — designed to prevent concentration of high or low ability.

Watch out: Banding is NOT selection. It ensures a mix of abilities. You cannot "fail" a banding test.

Check your catchment for every school nearbyPro

Enter your postcode and see whether you fall inside the council polygon, what last year’s offer-distance was, or where to look up the authority’s tool.

Free School Transport Rights

Each UK nation has different rules about when free school transport is provided.

England

Statutory entitlement

Free transport if the nearest suitable school is beyond walking distance: 2 miles (under 8) or 3 miles (8+). Extended rights for low-income families: free transport if the school is 2+ miles (secondary) and within 6 miles (or 15 miles for faith schools).

Discretionary

Many LAs offer discretionary transport above statutory minimums. Check your LA’s policy — budgets are being cut.

If refused: If refused, you can appeal to the LA and then to the Local Government Ombudsman.

Wales

Statutory entitlement

Free transport if the nearest suitable school is beyond 2 miles (primary) or 3 miles (secondary). The Learner Travel (Wales) Measure 2008 sets the framework.

Discretionary

LAs must assess transport needs for ALN pupils. Welsh-medium school transport often has extended provision.

If refused: Appeal to the LA. No equivalent of the Ombudsman route for transport specifically.

Scotland

Statutory entitlement

Free transport if attending the catchment school and living beyond walking distance (typically 1–2 miles primary, 2–3 miles secondary). Each council sets its own policy.

Discretionary

Councils often provide placing request transport if you choose a non-catchment school, but this is discretionary and varies hugely.

If refused: Appeal to the council. Then to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman.

Northern Ireland

Statutory entitlement

Free transport for eligible pupils living beyond 2 miles (primary) or 3 miles (secondary) from the nearest suitable school. Administered by the Education Authority (EA).

Discretionary

The EA provides discretionary transport on some routes. Bus passes are common for secondary pupils.

If refused: Appeal to the EA. Then to the NI Public Services Ombudsman.

Practical Tips

What to check, when to check it, and how to avoid the most common mistakes.

Check "last distance offered"

Look at the past 3 years of admissions data to see the furthest distance offered. This is the best predictor of your chances.

Visit in person

Walk or drive the route your child would take. Consider safety, traffic, crossing points, and whether they can do it independently.

Use your 3–6 preferences wisely

Don’t waste preferences on impossible schools. Include at least one "safe" school where you’re confident of a place.

Apply on time

Late applications go to the bottom of the pile. Deadline: 15 January for both primary and secondary applications for September entry in England. National Offer Day is 1 March (secondary) and 16 April (primary).

Check the admissions policy every year

Criteria can change. Feeder school lists change. Distance thresholds change. Check the current year’s policy, not last year’s.

Keep evidence of your address

You may be asked to prove your address: council tax bill, utility bills, tenancy agreement. Keep these ready.

Find schools near your address

Enter your postcode to see schools in your catchment area with distance calculations and transport links.

Search results open with filters matching this guide

Common Questions

Sources

This guide draws on the School Admissions Code (England), the Education Act 1996 (transport provisions), the Learner Travel (Wales) Measure 2008, Scottish Government placing requests guidance, and the Education (NI) Order 1996. This guide is for general information only. Admissions policies, inspection frameworks, and school structures change regularly — always verify current details with the relevant school, local authority, or official body. Last reviewed April 2026.

See where you stand with School Atlas Pro

Pro members can view historical “last distance offered” data going back 15 years, demand ratios, and admissions trends — so you can gauge your realistic chances before applying.

See Pro features Compare schools

Was this guide helpful?

Related guides

Admissions Appeals Guide

What to do when you don’t get the school you want

Every Type of UK School Explained

Different school types have different admissions rules

SEND Rights & Processes

Transport rights for children with EHCPs

Moving Between UK Nations

What happens to your school place when you move

Find schools near your home

Search by postcode to see schools within walking distance, their last distance offered, and inspection results.

Search schools Browse all guides

Parent Guide

Catchment Areas & School Transport

Where you live determines where your child goes to school. Catchment areas, distance criteria, feeder schools, and free transport rights — the geography of school admissions explained.

20–25 min readAll 4 UK nationsUpdated April 2026AI-drafted, human-reviewed

Key facts

Schools allocate places using 6 different methods — distance, catchment, feeder school, faith, lottery, or banding
Free school transport is statutory if the nearest suitable school is beyond 2 miles (under 8) or 3 miles (age 8+) in England
Living inside a catchment area gives priority, not a guaranteed place — oversubscribed schools still turn away in-catchment families
Using a false address to gain a school place is fraud and can result in the offer being withdrawn even after the child has started
Each UK nation has different transport rules — always check your LA or council’s specific policy

Different ways schools allocate places

3mi

Walking distance threshold (age 8+)

No. of LAs that measure distance differently

Fraud

Using a false address = place withdrawn

Address fraud is caught

LAs cross-reference council tax, electoral roll, and benefit records. Temporary rentals to gain a place are investigated and offers are withdrawn.

Catchment ≠ guaranteed place

Living inside a catchment area gives you priority, not certainty. Oversubscribed schools still turn away in-catchment families.

Distance measurement varies

Some LAs measure straight-line, others measure walking route. The same house can be 0.5 miles by one method and 0.9 by another.

How Schools Allocate Places

There is no single system. Different schools use different criteria, even within the same area.

Nearest school / distance-based

Places offered to children living closest to the school. Distance measured as straight line ("as the crow flies") or walking route.

Where: Most common in England for community schools.

Watch out: Measurement method matters. Walking distance and straight-line distance can produce very different results. Check which your LA uses.

Defined catchment area

The LA draws a boundary around the school. Children inside the boundary have priority. Boundaries are published and rarely change.

Where: Common in Scotland (known as "catchment area"), and many English LAs.

Watch out: Living inside the catchment does not guarantee a place if the school is oversubscribed. It gives priority, not certainty.

Feeder school

Secondary schools give priority to children from named "feeder" primary schools.

Where: Common in England, especially for church/faith secondary schools and academies.

Watch out: Feeder school status can change. Check the current admissions policy — don’t assume it’s the same as last year.

Faith-based criteria

VA/faith schools may prioritise by faith: baptism certificates, church attendance records, priest’s reference.

Where: England (VA schools, faith academies), NI (Catholic maintained and some controlled schools), Scotland (denominational schools).

Watch out: Some faith schools require 2+ years of regular church attendance. Start attending early if this is your plan.

Random allocation (lottery)

Places allocated randomly from all applicants. Used by a small number of schools as an "equal chance" approach.

Where: Brighton & Hove is the best-known example. A handful of academies also use lottery.

Watch out: Lotteries remove the distance advantage but create uncertainty — you cannot predict whether you’ll get a place.

Banding (ability-based)

Children sit a test and are placed in ability bands. The school then admits equal numbers from each band to ensure a comprehensive intake.

Where: London (several boroughs), some academies. Not selective — designed to prevent concentration of high or low ability.

Watch out: Banding is NOT selection. It ensures a mix of abilities. You cannot "fail" a banding test.

Check your catchment for every school nearbyPro

Enter your postcode and see whether you fall inside the council polygon, what last year’s offer-distance was, or where to look up the authority’s tool.

Free School Transport Rights

Each UK nation has different rules about when free school transport is provided.

England

Statutory entitlement

Discretionary

Many LAs offer discretionary transport above statutory minimums. Check your LA’s policy — budgets are being cut.

If refused: If refused, you can appeal to the LA and then to the Local Government Ombudsman.

Wales

Statutory entitlement

Free transport if the nearest suitable school is beyond 2 miles (primary) or 3 miles (secondary). The Learner Travel (Wales) Measure 2008 sets the framework.

Discretionary

LAs must assess transport needs for ALN pupils. Welsh-medium school transport often has extended provision.

If refused: Appeal to the LA. No equivalent of the Ombudsman route for transport specifically.

Scotland

Statutory entitlement

Free transport if attending the catchment school and living beyond walking distance (typically 1–2 miles primary, 2–3 miles secondary). Each council sets its own policy.

Discretionary

Councils often provide placing request transport if you choose a non-catchment school, but this is discretionary and varies hugely.

If refused: Appeal to the council. Then to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman.

Northern Ireland

Statutory entitlement

Free transport for eligible pupils living beyond 2 miles (primary) or 3 miles (secondary) from the nearest suitable school. Administered by the Education Authority (EA).

Discretionary

The EA provides discretionary transport on some routes. Bus passes are common for secondary pupils.

If refused: Appeal to the EA. Then to the NI Public Services Ombudsman.

Practical Tips

What to check, when to check it, and how to avoid the most common mistakes.

Check "last distance offered"

Look at the past 3 years of admissions data to see the furthest distance offered. This is the best predictor of your chances.

Visit in person

Walk or drive the route your child would take. Consider safety, traffic, crossing points, and whether they can do it independently.

Use your 3–6 preferences wisely

Don’t waste preferences on impossible schools. Include at least one "safe" school where you’re confident of a place.

Apply on time

Check the admissions policy every year

Criteria can change. Feeder school lists change. Distance thresholds change. Check the current year’s policy, not last year’s.

Keep evidence of your address

You may be asked to prove your address: council tax bill, utility bills, tenancy agreement. Keep these ready.

Find schools near your address

Enter your postcode to see schools in your catchment area with distance calculations and transport links.

Search results open with filters matching this guide

Common Questions

Sources

See where you stand with School Atlas Pro

Pro members can view historical “last distance offered” data going back 15 years, demand ratios, and admissions trends — so you can gauge your realistic chances before applying.

See Pro features Compare schools

Was this guide helpful?

Related guides

Admissions Appeals Guide

What to do when you don’t get the school you want

Every Type of UK School Explained

Different school types have different admissions rules

SEND Rights & Processes

Transport rights for children with EHCPs

Moving Between UK Nations

What happens to your school place when you move

Find schools near your home

Search by postcode to see schools within walking distance, their last distance offered, and inspection results.

Search schools Browse all guides