Post Primary application portal opens 27th January 📱

16th Jan 2026

Post-Primary Applications – Important Information for Year 7 Parents

The post-primary portal opens at the end of January for Year 7 parents applying for a school place for September. When selecting schools on the portal, we strongly recommend choosing a minimum of five schools.

For each school, you must clearly explain how your child meets that school’s admissions criteria. It is essential to read the criteria carefully on each school’s website or Facebook page and refer directly to it in your application. Remember, schools do not know your child personally. Writing long descriptions that do not match the criteria will not strengthen your application.

Ask yourself:

Is your child attending a feeder primary school?

Does your child have a sibling currently at the school?

Each school has different criteria, so read them carefully and make informed, realistic choices. Every year, children across Belfast are left unplaced simply because applications were not completed correctly. Taking time now can make a crucial difference for your child.