Letter for P.7 Parents Regarding Post Primary Admissions

20th Jan 2026

Letter for P.7 Parents Regarding Post Primary Admissions

Dear Parent/Carer,

The information below in relation to Post Primary Admissions is from the Education Authority:

The ‘Apply Now’ link for Post Primary applications will be live on the EA website from 27 January at 12 noon. Applications will close on 19 February at 12 noon.
Applications are not considered on a first come, first served basis.
Applications received after 12 noon on 19 February will be treated as 'late' by the school and this may affect the chance of being offered a place in the school.
It is recommended that parents use a supported internet browser e.g. Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Safari etc. The application will not work on Internet Explorer.
It is the responsibility of parents to check that all relevant information is included on their child’s application before submitting it.
A number of resources are available online including tutorial videos, FAQs and guides to support parents with the Post Primary application process via EA Connect.
Parents can check if their child would be eligible for transport assistance to school on the EA website - Check Transport Eligibility
Parents have the right to express school preferences, but no child can be guaranteed a place at any particular school. More than half of Post Primary schools are oversubscribed and not all children who apply will receive a place at an oversubscribed school.
To ensure a child has the best chance of being offered a Post Primary school place of their choice, it is strongly recommended that at least four schools are listed in the order of preference, including at least one non-grammar school.
Up to 12 schools can be listed on the application and if more are needed these may be emailed to the EA Post Primary Admissions mailbox at postprimaryadmissions@eani.org.uk
It is important that parents read the admissions criteria of the schools they are considering. This will help them to assess if their child is likely to be offered a place.
The criteria inform how the school will decide which children will be selected if the school is oversubscribed. Parents should think about how well their child meets the criteria which can be found on the EA website. If parents have queries on a school’s criteria they should contact the school for clarification.
Information on the number of applications the school received in previous years and the number of pupils who were accepted are included in the school's criteria to let parents know if the school is usually oversubscribed.
Special Educational Needs - If a pupil is currently undergoing statutory assessment and does not yet have a Statement of Special Educational Needs, their parent will need to apply for a post primary school place. If a pupil has a Statement of Special Educational Needs, placement will be discussed as part of the annual review of the child’s statement and therefore an application should not be made on EA Connect. Parents can contact the Statutory Assessment and Review Service on 028 9031 7777, Option 1.

https://www.eani.org.uk/sites/default/files/2025-12/Applying%20for%20a%20Pre-school%20or%20School%20Place%20for%20September%202026.pdf

https://www.eani.org.uk/parents/pupil-applications-and-grants/admissions/admissions-support#section-23468

https://www.eani.org.uk/schools/policies-and-guidance/admissions-guidance/forms-guidance