Applying for a school place in the United Kingdom is handled through the local council, and the process is the same for expats as it is for UK nationals. For expats, the first step is to secure a home address, as school applications are strongly linked to where you live. Expats in the UK apply online through the council’s admissions portal and list preferred schools in order of choice. Applications for primary and secondary schools follow national deadlines, usually in the autumn for entry the following academic year. Expats in the UK arriving mid-year can apply for in-year admissions, which are processed separately and depend on availability. Supporting documents such as proof of address and a child’s birth certificate may be required. Because popular schools can be oversubscribed, expats are advised to research school catchment areas carefully and apply as early as possible to improve their chances of securing a preferred school place.