Information about applying for school places
2-Plus Centre
For families receiving some additional forms of government support
This scheme is for parents/carers who meet any of the following criteria:
- are getting certain benefits and if working, the household income is less than £15,400 per year
- have children with disabilities
- have no recourse to public funds
- are the guardian or parent of children looked after
- If you do not meet these criteria and both parents in the household are working, you could still get
- free hours if you meet certain criteria. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply
Working parents who do meet the eligibility criteria on this page, should apply using the link on this page.
For information about free childcare and early education, contact the Family Information Service (FIS) on 020 7527 5959 or FIS@islington.gov.uk.
How to apply
Before applying, please read the eligibility criteria and application instructions on this page.
Register with the Citizen Portal. You will need to have an email address to register. This is not the same as your Islington My eAccount or My Islington account.
Log in and click on ‘Free early education for 2-year-olds’ from the Citizen Portal homepage.
Add details of the child you are applying for and your own details, including your National Insurance number.
When making your application, you will asked to choose the type of application you want to make:
Choose economic application if you receive benefits, tax credits, or are on a low income.
Choose non-economic application if your child is looked after, adopted or has special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
If you think you fit both types of application, only complete and submit an economic application.
Start your application
Free early learning for children of working parents | Islington Council
If you are working parents/carers and your child is under two years old, you can get 15 hours free early learning and childcare.
Nursery
To apply for a place at Pakeman school nursery (for children aged 3 and 4) please complete an application form, which can be obtained from the school office.
If you require a full time place you will need to meet the following national criteria:
You can usually get 30 hours free childcare if you (and your partner, if you have one) are:
- in work – or getting parental leave, sick leave or annual leave
- each earning at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week – this is £120 if you’re over 25
This earnings limit doesn’t apply if you’re self-employed and started your business less than 12 months ago.
Click here for the online form to establish if you are eligible for 30 hours.
You will need your eligibility code before school breaks up for the summer holidays in July to enable us to plan how many full time spaces are required. As the eligibility code will only last for 3 months, you will have to reapply using the above website every 3 months. If you become ineligible at any time during the year your child’s hours will be reduced to 15 hours per week.
If you are not eligible for 30 hours, and there is a place available, your child will be offered 15 hours, either 5 mornings or afternoons per week.
Reception
If you wish to make an application to attend Pakeman Primary School’s reception class please click here. If you have any questions, you can call the Admissions Team on 020 7527 5515 or email admissions@islington.gov.uk.
For more information visit the school admissions website of your local authority. For Islington Residents, click here.
In Year Admissions
If you wish to apply for a school place and your child is not starting reception class, nursery or the 2-Plus Centre, please click here. As above, if you have any questions, you can call the Admissions Team on 020 7527 5515 or email admissions@islington.gov.uk.
For more information visit the school admissions website of the local authority.
For Islington residents, click here.
Secondary Transfer Arrangements
Applications for secondary school places are made at the start of Year 6, which is the children’s final year at Pakeman. Applications are made to the admissions team of the borough you reside in, regardless of which borough the school you wish to apply for is in. For Islington residents, click here to apply.
All applications are made online and Pakeman holds a secondary school transfer meeting every year for parents/carers at which the process is explained.
Applications to faith schools should be made directly to the schools themselves.
Most schools offer open days prior to the application deadline. If you have any questions regarding secondary school transfer please contact the school office for guidance.
For further details on admission or appeal arrangements, please contact Islington Local Authority.