As we approach the time for parents of Primary 7/Rang 7 children to apply for a post-primary school place I would ask you to consider carefully the information provided from the Education Authority in relation to the admissions process for 2022.
The online EA Post-Primary Application portal will open at 12 noon on 1 February 2022 and close at 4pm on 23 February 2022 for Year 8 post-primary applications.
Please note, applications are not considered on a first come, first served basis.
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.
When the application window opens parents will be able to click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to access the portal on the EA website www.eani.org.uk/admissions
Admissions Criteria for all post-primary schools is also accessible on the website at https://www.eani.org.uk/parents/admissions/search-admissions-criteria
The admissions criteria sets out how the school will decide which children will be selected/not selected if the school is oversubscribed. Parents should think about how well their child meets the criteria. If parents have questions about what something in a particular school’s criteria means they can contact the school for clarification.
The number of applications the school received in previous years and the number of pupils who were accepted - this information is included with the school's criteria on the EA website to let parents know if the school is usually oversubscribed.
Parents are strongly encouraged to take time to read the criteria for all schools they are considering listing as a preference in preparation for completing their application.
Parents who are awaiting the results of an entrance test may wish to await the outcome before starting an application. However, if desired, they can complete the registration process and partially complete their child’s form before receiving results and returning to complete before 23 February.
It is the responsibility of parents to check that all relevant information is included on their child’s application before submitting the form.
Digital assistance will be available via the Admissions Helpdesk. This will operate from 8am to 6pm Monday to Thursday and from 8am to 5pm on Friday until the application window closes on 23 February via telephone: 028 9598 5595 and Email: postprimaryadmissions@eani.org.uk
User guides are also available on the EA website in addition to the guidance leaflet ‘Applying for a Post-Primary School Place’. This is attached for your information.
Using the Recite Me tool on the EA website, parents can translate information and access audio transcripts of admissions criteria and guidance materials in a range of languages.
Parents may watch the EA subtitled video in six different languages and access translated versions of the P7 leaflet. https://www.eani.org.uk/parents/admissions/admissions-videos-and-guidance
Eligibility for transport assistance to a particular school can be checked on the EA website.
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 the best chance of getting your child into a post-primary school of your choice, it is strongly recommended that at least 4 schools are listed in the order of preference and at least one non-grammar school is included. Parents can list as many schools as they wish and in some areas where many of the schools are over-subscribed, it may be wise to list more than 4 schools. Up to 12 schools can be listed on the online application.
Applications will not be considered by post-primary schools until after the closing date.
The purpose of all this information is to enable you, as parents, to carry out this process as accurately as possible. Should you require any further assistance please contact the school office.
