Parents can choose schools in order of preference but their first choice might not be available if they apply after the deadline on 10 January.

If a school is oversubscribed, Education will give priority to children who meet one of the following requirements: those who have what’s termed a ‘Special Educational Need’ and must go to a specific school; those who have siblings in the school (in classes from Reception to Year five); those who are living in the primary school catchment area; those who are living in the secondary school catchment area; those who have siblings in the school (in Year six); or those who have other requests supported by a good educational reason for attending a non-catchment school.

If a school is already full, Education will try to offer a place at the parents’ second choice.

Primary schools will write to parents in mid-January 2014 to offer places. If they no longer need the place, parents are asked to inform the school. They won’t be offered a place in a States primary school if they accept a place in a fee-paying school.