Unfortunately, we are still experiencing technical issues with the Family Portal, the system is up and running but it is currently very slow, so it’s taking longer than usual to complete and submit your application.
Can we please ask that you keep trying to submit your application online but if you are still experiencing problems please email school.admissions@salford.gov.uk and they will email you an application form to complete.
Alternatively, you can call into your local gateway or Broughton Hub and you will be able to complete and submit a paper application form there.
Log in to the Family Portal to make a school application
In year applications can be made at any time.
The application process for nursery and reception applications for September 2025, opens on 1 September 2024 and closes on 15 January 2025.
The application process for secondary applications for September 2025, opens on 1 September 2024 and closes on 31 October 2024.
If you are having difficulties using the online application service, the answers to the following questions may be helpful.
What do I need to apply online?
You need access to a computer and an email account. The council offers free computer access at libraries. If you do not have an email address local library staff may be able to help you set up a free account. You can now use the online application form on mobile phones or tablets.
Will my online application be secure?
Yes, there is a series of security features which will prevent anyone from seeing information they are not entitled to see.
I can't click on the link in my registration email
Copy the address into your browser to complete the registration process.
Why can't I find the school I am looking for?
Check whether your postcode is still showing in the left hand box and that you have selected schools in the correct local authority area. You should remove the postcode and just search within the local authority area. If you are still having problems, try entering just part of the school name. For example, if you can’t find ‘St George’s CE Primary School’, try entering just ‘George’ and the search facility will be more likely to find the school you are looking for.
If I can't finish the application in one go, can I save it and go back later?
Yes, up to the closing date for applications.
Having submitted an online application, will I be able to change my preferences?
As with a paper application you can change your preferences right up to the closing date. You just need to log back into your application in the Family Portal using the email address and password that you used when you registered. You must remember to resubmit your application once you have completed your changes.
How will I know that changes have been saved?
Every time you resubmit your online application you will receive an email confirming the status of your application.
I am concerned that technology sometimes fails, should I send a paper copy as well?
If you apply online you do not need to submit a paper application. The system notifies you of the status of your application by email. If you do not receive an email confirming your application is submitted please contact the local authority using the ‘Contact us online’ form above.
What should I do if I have not received an email confirming that I have submitted my application?
When your application has been submitted you should receive a confirmation email. If one does not arrive in your inbox please check your 'trash' or 'junk' mail. Please note some free accounts (eg, Gmail, outlook.com) become inactive if you do not sign in for a period of time. After an account becomes inactive incoming messages will be sent back to the sender as undeliverable. If you still do not appear to have received an acknowledgement email you may have entered your email address incorrectly. Please contact the school admissions team using our online form.
Contact us online
I can't remember my password. What should I do?
If you forget your password and wish to view or change your online application click on the 'forgotten password' link on the homepage. You will receive an email and you will need to follow the instructions within the email to reset your password.
When will I get the result of my application?
If you applied online you will be able to review the result through the Family Portal. This is 3 March 2025 for secondary applications and 16 April 2025 for nursery and reception applications. You will be able to log in to the service on offer day to view your results and respond to the school offer made to your child.
Where can you find out more information on the application process?
These web pages on school admissions contain all the information you need to understand the process for applying for a school place. You can find out about the procedures for admissions for nursery, reception and secondary schools, as well as the viewing the admission policy for each primary or secondary school.
We aim to help parents get their child a place in the school of their choice. However, as many schools receive more applications than they have places, we need a process to decide which children get a place and which have to go to other schools. As a result we ask for you to choose a number of schools and put them in order of your choice.