Waiting lists
Primary school waiting list update
From 8am on 8 May 2024 you will be able to check your child’s position on the waiting list of any Essex primary (Reception) school or year 3 (where held) for September 2024.
Check your child's current position on the primary school waiting list.
Secondary school waiting list update
From 8am on 22 March 2024 you will be able to check your child’s position on the waiting list of any Essex secondary (year 7) school for September 2024.
Check your child's current position on the secondary school waiting list.
How it works
If you did not get your preferred school, you will be added to the waiting lists of all schools that were ranked higher than the school offered in your application.
You will be notified in writing if an offer is available.
After 4pm on the 30 August 2024, Essex County Council only holds waiting lists for Community and VC primary, infant and junior schools.
Before you can check a waiting list
You will need your child’s Essex Application Reference Number.
If you are an Essex resident, this can be found on your offer email or letter.
If you pay Council Tax to another authority, for example Redbridge, Hertfordshire, Havering, Southend-on-Sea or Thurrock, please call 0345 603 2200 to request your child’s Essex Application Reference Number.
What to do if you change address
If you move address whilst your child is on a waiting list, you need to email us evidence of your new address. For example:
- a signed tenancy agreement if you are renting
- a solicitor’s letter confirming you have exchanged contracts if you are purchasing your new home
If your new address affects your child’s positions on any waiting lists, their waiting list position will change.
What to do when waiting lists are closed online
After 4pm on the 30 August our waiting lists website will be closed for tracking your child’s position online.
Waiting lists will then be maintained based on the type of school. You can check the type of school in our admission booklets for parents.
For Community and VC primary, infant and junior schools
Our admission team will hold the waiting lists for these types of Reception and Year 3 (where held) schools until 31 December 2024.
Contact us via email and we will respond within 10 working days.
For primary foundation, voluntary aided (church) and academy schools
Each school will hold their own waiting lists until a minimum of 31 December 2024.
Contact them directly for information on waiting list positions or if you change address.
For secondary schools
All secondary schools are either foundation, voluntary aided (church) or academies and maintain their own waiting lists until a minimum of 31 December 2024.
You should contact these schools directly for information on waiting list positions or if you change address.