Catchments: what they are (and what they are not)
Some schools have a defined catchment area; others do not. Many schools allocate places using oversubscription criteria where distance is one factor, but not the only one.
Common criteria can include: looked-after children, exceptional medical/social need, siblings, faith criteria, feeder schools, and then distance. The order and definitions are school-specific.
Important: this tool does not confirm whether you will get a place. Always verify eligibility using the official admissions policy for the year you are applying.
Distance rules
Many policies use straight-line distance, but measurement points and methods vary. Always check the policy wording.
Boundaries can change
Demand and planning change year to year. Treat any distance or map as time-specific and re-check for the year you apply.
Distance checker
Enter a postcode and a school name (or URN). If multiple schools match, we will show a short list for you to pick from.
Distance result
Enter a postcode and school to compute distance.
Generated on: n/a
No distance yet
Enter a postcode and choose a school to compute straight-line distance.
Sources / assumptions
Postcode coordinates are resolved via a free UK postcode lookup service (postcodes.io). School coordinates come from stored datasets.
We use straight-line distance (Haversine). Some admissions policies use specific measurement points or alternative methods - always verify the published policy for the relevant year.
This tool is not an eligibility checker. Catchment and distance are only one part of many oversubscription criteria.
Last updated: 2026-02-18
FAQs
Eligibility, appeals, boundaries, and distance measurement - without overpromising.
Does this tool confirm if I am in catchment?
No. It does not confirm eligibility. Catchment and admissions criteria can include multiple rules beyond distance (and can change). Use this as a distance reference only, then verify against official admissions policies.
How do you measure distance?
We calculate straight-line distance (Haversine) between postcode coordinates and the school coordinates. Many admissions policies call this "as the crow flies", but some use specific measurement points or methods, so always check the published policy.
Why does the distance differ from Google Maps?
Google Maps shows route distance and travel time. Admissions distance is often straight-line. These are different measurements.
What else matters besides distance?
Common criteria include looked-after children, medical/social need, siblings, faith criteria, feeder schools, and special educational needs. The order and definitions vary by school and LA.
Can catchment boundaries change?
Yes. Policies and boundaries can change year to year based on demand and local planning. Treat any distance or boundary information as time-specific and verify for the year you are applying.
Is there a single official catchment map for every school?
No. Some schools publish maps, some do not, and some use distance rules without a fixed catchment boundary. Always rely on the admissions policy for the relevant year.
What if my postcode lookup fails?
Try a fully specified UK postcode (including the last 3 characters). If the service is unavailable, you can still browse schools, but we cannot compute distance without coordinates.
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