School admissions

Choosing schools

If you live in England contact your local council to find:

state-funded schools in your area

admission criteria for the schools you’re interested in

The process is different if you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

You can also contact your local council to apply for places at state schools in other areas. You can search online to find schools in England.

Private schools or home schooling

If you’re looking for a place at a private school (also called ‘independent schools’), contact the school directly.

You can also choose to teach your child at home, known as home schooling.

Children with special educational needs (SEN)

If your child has SEN, their Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan will name a school for them. The school must give your child a place.

You can ask your local council to carry out an assessment if you think your child needs additional support with their educational, health and social needs.

Find out about a primary or secondary school

You can find out more by:

visiting the school - most schools have open days

reading the school’s most recent Ofsted reports

checking school performance tables

talking to other parents about what they think of the school

What schools must publish on their website

Schools’ websites must include:

admission arrangements, including how to apply

details of the curriculum

behaviour policy

links to Ofsted reports

links to performance data

the school’s latest key stage 2 and 4 attainment and progress measures

their policies for children with special educational needs and disabilities

the amount of money they get for taking underprivileged children (the ‘pupil premium’), what they do with it and the effect it’s had

You can also get advice about choosing state-funded schools from your local council.

Admission criteria

All schools have admission criteria to decide which children get places. The school or local council usually set these.

Admission criteria are different for each school. They may give priority to children:

who live close to the school

who have a brother or sister at the school already

from a particular religion (for faith schools)

who pass an entrance exam (for selective schools, for example grammar schools)

who went to a particular primary school (a ‘feeder school’)

who are eligible for the pupil premium or the service pupil premium

whose parent has worked at the school for 2 years or more

Your local council can give you information about schools’ criteria and how to apply.

Children in care

All state-funded schools must give top priority to admitting children who:

are in care or being looked after

have been in care

Complain about unfair admission arrangements

Contact the Schools Adjudicator if you think a school has unlawful or unfair admission arrangements.

You need to complain by 15 May of the year before you’re applying for a place. For example, to complain about admission arrangements for September 2021 the deadline is 15 May 2020.

School starting age

Most children start school full-time in the September after their fourth birthday. This means they’ll turn 5 during their first school year.

For example, if your child’s fourth birthday is between 1 September 2021 and 31 August 2022 they will usually start school in September 2022.

If you want your child to start later

If you do not think your child is ready to start school at the usual time, they can start later - as long as they’re in full-time education by the time they reach ‘compulsory school age’.

They can start:

part time

part-way through the year

in the next school year, in the September after they turn 5

You’ll still need to apply for a school place at the same time as everyone else. You request your child’s later start when you apply.

If your child starts in the September after they turn 5

Your child will go into year 1. Contact the local council or school if you want your child to start in reception instead. They do not have to agree.

Compulsory school age

Your child must start full-time education once they reach compulsory school age. This is on 31 December, 31 March or 31 August following their fifth birthday - whichever comes first. If your child’s fifth birthday is on one of those dates then they reach compulsory school age on that date.

For example, if your child reaches compulsory school age on 31 March, they must start full-time education at the beginning of the next term (summer term that year).

Children must stay in full-time education until they reach school leaving age.

All 3 to 4-year-olds in England are entitled to free early education before they start school full time.

How to apply

Follow your local council’s application process to:

apply for a primary school place

apply for a secondary school place

You must still apply for a place, even if the school is linked to your child’s current nursery, infant or primary school.

Apply directly for:

a 6th form place at a school or college

a place at a private school

Moving to another area

You apply through your local council even if you’re applying for schools in another council area or you’ve just moved to England.

If you’re applying from another country, contact the local council in the area where you’re going to live.

You may need to:

supply proof of your new address, for example a mortgage or rental agreement or deeds for the property

prove that you’ll live in the area before the start of the next school term

Completing the application

When you fill in the form (online or on paper) you’ll be asked to list the schools you’re applying for in order of preference.

Listing only one school will not increase your chances of getting a place there.

To get a copy of the application form on paper, contact your local council.

When to apply

Applications open on different days in each local council area. Find out from your local council when applications open for primary or secondary schools.

Applying for a primary school place

You must apply for a primary school place a year before your child can start school.

Applications open in September and close on 15 January. Your child will be 3 or have just turned 4 when you apply.

You’ll need to apply then even if you want your child to start part-way through the year.

Applying for a secondary school place

The deadline for applying is 31 October.

Your child is less likely to be offered a place at their chosen schools if you miss the deadline for applications.

When you’ll find out

Councils will send offers of school places for:

primary schools on 16 April

secondary schools on 1 March

If either date falls on a weekend or a bank holiday, offers are sent the next working day.

You must accept the offer by the deadline given in the offer letter. Otherwise it may be withdrawn and the place given to someone else.

The local council must provide a place at another school, if your child is not offered a place at any of the schools you’ve applied for. This is usually your nearest school with places still available.

Applying after the start of the school year

Contact your local council to find out about applying for a school place once the school year has started (known as in-year applications). They can tell you which schools still have places and how to apply.

Once your child has been offered a place, they will usually start school at the beginning of the following term.

School waiting lists

If your child does not have a place, contact your local council for schools with places.

You can also put your child’s name down on a waiting list. The ‘admission authority’ for the school (usually the school itself or the council) must keep a waiting list open for at least the first term of each school year.

Contact the school or your local council if you want your child’s name added to a waiting list.

You can add your child’s name to a waiting list even if they have been offered a place at another school.

If your child is on a waiting list and the school offers you a place, the admission authority will send you a formal offer. You can still accept the offer even if your child has already started at another school.

Appealing a school's decision

You’ll be sent a letter with the decision about your child’s school. If your child is refused a place, you can appeal against the decision. The letter will tell you how.

You must appeal against each rejection separately. You can only appeal once against each rejection.

Preparing your appeal

The admission authority for the school must allow you at least 20 school days to appeal from when they send the decision letter.

The admission authority will set a deadline for submitting information and evidence to support your appeal. If you submit anything after the deadline, it might not be considered and may result in delays to your hearing.

Coram Children’s Legal Centre may be able to give you advice about appeals.

When the hearing will be

The admission authority must give you at least 10 school days’ notice of the hearing.

Appeals must be heard within 40 school days of the deadline for making an appeal.

What happens at the appeal hearing

There’s a panel of 3 or more people at the appeal hearing. The panel must be independent and must follow the school admission appeals code.

The admission authority will explain why they turned down your application.

You’ll be able to give your own reasons why your child should be admitted.

The appeals panel must decide if the school’s admission criteria were properly followed and comply with the school admissions code.

If the criteria were not properly followed or do not comply with the school admissions code your appeal must be upheld.

If your reasons for your child to be admitted outweigh the school’s reasons for not admitting any more children at all, your appeal will be upheld.

You will usually be sent the decision within 5 school days.

You can read more about school admission appeals.

Appeals for infant classes

You need to go through the same process if you’re appealing a decision about an infant class. In reception, year 1 and year 2, the class size is limited to 30. Your application can be turned down if all the classes already have 30 children.

Your appeal could be successful if:

giving your child a place will not increase the class size above the limit

the admission arrangements have not been properly followed

the admission criteria do not comply with the school admissions code

Complain about the appeals process

You can complain about the way the appeal was carried out, but you can not complain about the decision itself.

Maintained schools

Complain to the Local Government Ombudsman.

Fill in the online complaint form.

If a maintained school becomes an academy

If you complain about an appeal concerning a maintained school that then converts to academy status, the Local Government Ombudsman will investigate it and pass any actions to the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).

Other schools

Complain to ESFA about an appeal made to:

free schools

academies, including university technical colleges and studio schools

Fill in the online complaint form.

Using the online form is the quickest way to make a complaint. If you need a paper form instead, contact:

You should get a decision on your complaint within 9 weeks (45 working days). You’ll be told if it’ll take longer.

You’ll get a letter explaining the reasons for the decision.

If ESFA decides something went wrong with the appeals panel, it may:

ask the school to hold a new appeal hearing with a different panel

recommend the school reviews its appeals process

Complain about another school matter

If you have a complaint about a school that is not related to the appeals process, contact the Department for Education.


School attendance and absence

Overview

You must make sure your child gets a full-time education that meets their needs (for example if they have special educational needs). You can send your child to school or educate them yourself.

Children must get an education between the school term after their 5th birthday and the last Friday in June in the school year they turn 16.

You’ll be contacted by either:

the school - if your child is enrolled in school and does not turn up (even if they’re only absent for a day)

the council’s education welfare officer - if they think your child is not getting a suitable education at home

You can be prosecuted if you do not give your child an education. You’ll normally get warnings and offers of help from the local council first.

You can get education and attendance information from your council.

When your child can miss school

You can only allow your child to miss school if either:

they’re too ill to go in

you’ve got advance permission from the school

There’s extra support available if your child cannot go to school for long periods because of a health problem.

Holidays in term time

You have to get permission from the head teacher if you want to take your child out of school during term time.

You can only do this if:

you make an application to the head teacher in advance (as a parent the child normally lives with)

there are exceptional circumstances

It’s up to the head teacher how many days your child can be away from school if leave is granted.

You can be fined for taking your child on holiday during term time without the school’s permission.

School trips

Your child’s school can ask you for a voluntary contribution to the cost of activities like school trips. They cannot stop your child from attending if you do not pay, but they should cancel the activity if there is not enough money to cover the cost of it.

Help with getting your child to go to school

If you’re having trouble getting your child to go to school, the school and local council can help.

The school will discuss attendance problems with you and should agree a plan with you to improve your child’s attendance.

A lot of local councils have teams that help parents improve their child’s attendance at school. The council will tell you if they’re able to help. Forms of help could include:

support to reduce the burden on children where families are in difficulty (for example if a child is spending a lot of time caring for someone)

working with families and schools to overcome bullying and other serious problems

a parenting contract

Parenting contract

This is a voluntary written agreement between you and either the local council or the school’s governing body. Between you, you agree to find ways to improve your child’s attendance.

If you refuse to make a contract or you do not stick to it, it can be used as evidence if the local council decides to prosecute you.

Legal action to enforce school attendance

Local councils and schools can use various legal powers if your child is missing school without a good reason. They can give you:

a Parenting Order

an Education Supervision Order

a School Attendance Order

a fine (sometimes known as a ‘penalty notice’)

You can be given one or more of these but the council does not have to do this before prosecuting you.

Parenting Order

This means you have to go to parenting classes. You’ll also have to do what the court says to improve your child’s school attendance.

Education Supervision Order

If the council thinks you need support getting your child to go to school but you’re not co-operating, they can apply to a court for an Education Supervision Order.

A supervisor will be appointed to help you get your child into education. The local council can do this instead of prosecuting you, or as well.

School Attendance Order

You’ll get a School Attendance Order if the local council thinks your child is not getting an education.

You have 15 days to provide evidence that you’ve registered your child with the school listed in the order or that you’re giving them home education. If you do not, you could be prosecuted or given a fine.

Fine

Your local council can give each parent a fine of £60, which rises to £120 each if you do not pay within 21 days. If you do not pay the fine after 28 days you may be prosecuted for your child’s absence from school.

Check your local council’s rules on when you can be fined.

Prosecution

You could get a fine of up to £2,500, a community order or a jail sentence up to 3 months. The court also gives you a Parenting Order.


Bullying at school

The law

Some forms of bullying are illegal and should be reported to the police. These include:

violence or assault

theft

repeated harassment or intimidation, for example name calling, threats and abusive phone calls, emails or text messages

hate crimes

Call 999 if you or someone else is in immediate danger.

Schools and the law

By law, all state (not private) schools must have a behaviour policy in place that includes measures to prevent all forms of bullying among pupils.

This policy is decided by the school. All teachers, pupils and parents must be told what it is.

Anti-discrimination law

Schools must also follow anti-discrimination law. This means staff must act to prevent discrimination, harassment and victimisation within the school. This applies to all schools in England and Wales, and most schools in Scotland.

Northern Ireland has different anti-discrimination law.

Reporting bullying

You should report bullying to your school in the first place - or someone you trust if it happens outside school, for example in a club or online.

Tell the police if the bullying involves a crime.

Schools - reporting bullying

School staff will deal with bullying in different ways, depending on how serious the bullying is.

They might deal with it in school, for example by disciplining bullies, or they might report it to the police or social services.

Any discipline must take account of special educational needs or disabilities that the pupils involved may have.

You can complain about a school if you think it hasn’t dealt with your concerns.

Police - reporting bullying

Anyone can make a complaint to the police about bullying but it’s usually a good idea to speak to your school first.

If you’re reporting cyberbullying, keep a record of the date and time of the calls, emails or texts - don’t delete any messages you receive.

Where to get help and advice

There are lots of organisations that provide support and advice if you’re worried about bullying:

Anti-Bullying Alliance

Bullying UK

Childline

The Diana Award

Internet Matters

Kidscape

The UK Safer Internet Centre

UK Council for Child Internet Safety (UKCCIS)

Bullying outside school

Head teachers have the legal power to make sure pupils behave outside of school premises (state schools only).

This includes bullying that happens anywhere off the school premises, for example on public transport or in a town centre.

School staff can also choose to report bullying to the police or local council.

Bullying - a definition

There is no legal definition of bullying.

However, it’s usually defined as behaviour that is:

repeated

intended to hurt someone either physically or emotionally

often aimed at certain groups, for example because of race, religion, gender or sexual orientation

It takes many forms and can include:

physical assault

teasing

making threats

name calling

cyberbullying - bullying via mobile phone or online (for example email, social networks and instant messenger)

Your school should have its own policy to stop bullying.


School discipline and exclusions

Discipline

School behaviour policy

Every school has a behaviour policy, which lists the rules of conduct for pupils before and after school as well as during the school day.

The policy should also say what the school does to prevent bullying.

You can ask the school for a copy of the policy document.

Punishments

Schools can punish pupils if they behave badly.

Examples of punishments (sometimes called ‘sanctions’) include:

a telling-off

a letter home

removal from a class or group

confiscating something inappropriate for school , eg mobile phone or MP3 player

detention

Detention

Schools don’t have to give parents notice of after-school detentions or tell them why a detention has been given.

Physical contact

School staff can use reasonable force to control and restrain pupils. This could include leading a pupil by the arm into a classroom.

Complaining about a punishment

If you disagree with the way your child’s been punished, first talk to the headteacher. If you’re not satisfied, ask for a copy of the complaints procedure.

Exclusions

Headteachers can exclude your child if they misbehave in or outside school.

What happens when your child is excluded

Your child’s school will let you know about an exclusion as soon as possible. They’ll follow up with a letter telling you how long your child is excluded for and why.

You should also be told how to challenge the exclusion, if you want to.

Exclusions can start on the same day but the school shouldn’t make you collect your child straight away.

Risk of prosecution if child is found in public place

For the first 5 school days of an exclusion, it’s your responsibility to make sure your child isn’t in a public place during normal school hours unless there is a good reason.

You might be prosecuted if your child is found in a public place when they’re not supposed to be.

Child Law Advice has more information on what happens when a child is excluded.

Types of exclusion

There are 2 kinds of exclusion - fixed period (suspended) and permanent (expelled).

Fixed period exclusion

A fixed period exclusion is where your child is temporarily removed from school. They can only be removed for up to 45 school days in one school year, even if they’ve changed school.

If a child has been excluded for a fixed period, schools should set and mark work for the first 5 school days.

If the exclusion is longer than 5 school days, the school must arrange suitable full-time education from the sixth school day, eg at a pupil referral unit.

Permanent exclusion

Permanent exclusion means your child is expelled. Your local council must arrange full-time education from the sixth school day.

Alternative education and exclusion

The school or local council must tell you about any alternative education they arrange. It’s your responsibility to make sure your child attends.

Making a complaint

If alternative education isn’t arranged within 5 days, or you’re not happy with the education, you can complain to:

the school, for fixed period exclusions

the local council, for permanent exclusions

If you’re not happy with the response, you can complain to the Department for Education (DfE).

You’ll need to show that you followed the school or council’s complaints procedure.

Challenging exclusion

You’ll get a letter from the school telling you what to do if you disagree with the exclusion.

You can ask the school’s governing body to overturn the exclusion if either:

your child has been excluded for more than 5 days

the exclusion means they’ll miss a public exam or national curriculum test

If the exclusion is for 5 days or fewer, you can still ask the governors to hear your views but they can’t overturn the headteacher’s decision.

Challenging permanent exclusion

You’ll be invited to a review meeting with the school’s governors if your child has been permanently excluded. This will happen within 15 school days.

If the governors don’t overturn the exclusion, you can ask for an independent review by your local council (or academy trust if the school’s an academy). The governors must tell you how to do this.

If your child is still excluded you can ask the Local Government Ombudsman (or the Education Funding Agency if the school’s an academy or free school) to look at whether your case was handled properly. They can’t overturn the exclusion.

Discrimination and other complaints

You can make a claim to a court or a tribunal if you think your child’s been discriminated against. You need to do this within 6 months of the exclusion.

Contact the Equality Advisory Support Service for help and advice.

For more general complaints (eg if you don’t want to challenge the exclusion but you’re not happy with the way the school handled it), follow the normal school complaints process.

Searches

Searches without your child’s consent

The school doesn’t need your child’s consent to search them if they think your child has prohibited items, including:

weapons, eg knives

alcohol

illegal drugs

stolen goods

tobacco products, eg cigarettes

pornographic images (of any kind, eg tabloid topless pictures and ‘lads’ mags’ as well as extreme adult material)

fireworks

anything that has been, or is likely to be, used to cause injury or commit an offence

anything banned in the school rules

These things can be confiscated.

Legal requirements of a search

There should normally be 2 members of staff present during the search - the person doing the search and the search witness. Searches should normally be done by someone the same sex as your child.

The search witness must also be the same sex as your child if possible. Your child must not be asked to remove clothes, other than outer clothing like a coat.

If there’s a risk of serious harm to a person if the search is not conducted immediately, a child may be searched by a person of the opposite sex and without another member of staff present.

Metal detectors

Schools can make pupils go through a metal detector - they don’t have to suspect that your child has a weapon. If your child refuses to go through the metal detector, they can be stopped from coming into school.

Complaining about a search

If you’re unhappy with a search on your child at school, talk to the headteacher. If you’re not satisfied, ask for a copy of the complaints procedure.


Give up (renounce) British citizenship or nationality

Overview

You can apply to give up (renounce) your British citizenship or status. If accepted, you’ll get a ‘declaration of renunciation’ that you can use to show that you’re no longer British.

You might do this, for example, if you want to become a citizen of another country that does not allow dual citizenship.

You can renounce your:

British citizenship

British overseas territories citizenship

British overseas citizenship

British subject status

British national (overseas) status

You can give up more than one at a time.

Giving up your citizenship or status only affects you and not any other members of your family - although it could affect the status of any children you have in future.

Your right to live in the UK will be affected if you give up citizenship.

When you can give up your citizenship

You can only give up your British citizenship or status if either of the following apply:

you already have another citizenship or nationality

you’re going to get another citizenship or nationality after giving up your British citizenship or status

You must also be:

aged 18 or over (unless you’re under 18 and married)

of sound mind (unless it’s decided that it’s in your best interest)

Apply

Fill in the form online. You’ll usually be able to keep your documents while your application is being processed.

If you live in the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or a British overseas territory, you have to apply in person or by post instead. Check which you can do with your governor’s office.

If you live elsewhere, you can apply by post. This will take much longer than applying online because of coronavirus (COVID-19). Avoid applying by post, especially if you need your documents back by a specific date.

It is taking longer than usual to process applications because of coronavirus. This will not affect the decision.

Get help to apply online

You can get help with completing the online form if you:

do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device

do not have internet access

You can only use this service if you’re applying in the UK.

You cannot get immigration advice through this service.

After you've applied

You’ll get a ‘declaration of renunciation’ if your application is successful. This will be your application form, officially signed and stamped.

The date your citizenship or status stops will be shown on the form.

Your supporting documents will be returned to you whether you’re successful or not.

Time limits if you’re getting another citizenship

You’ll have 6 months from when you received your declaration to get another citizenship - otherwise the declaration will no longer be valid and you’ll keep your British citizenship or status.

Resume your British nationality

In some cases it’s possible to resume your British nationality after renouncing it.

Read the guidance to check if you can apply.

It is taking longer than usual to process applications because of coronavirus (COVID-19). This will not affect the decision. You’ll get extra time to provide your fingerprints, photo and additional information, and to book a citizenship ceremony.

How to apply

If you live elsewhere, you can apply by post. This will take much longer than applying online because of coronavirus. Avoid applying by post, especially if you need your documents back by a specific date.

Get help to apply online

do not have internet access

Fee

Pay the current fee for registration.

Your fee will not be refunded if your application is refused.

You’ll also need to pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.

If you’re applying from the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or a British overseas territory

You’ll be told the fee for providing your biometric information when you apply.

Supporting documents

You’ll need to provide:

your copy of your declaration of renunciation (either form RN1 or R6)

your passport, or certificate of naturalisation or registration for your current citizenship or nationality

an official letter or statement from the country you’re currently a citizen or national of saying that if you had not given up your British citizenship you’d have lost or failed to get your current citizenship or nationality

If you gave up United Kingdom and Colonies citizenship you’ll also need to provide:

the birth, naturalisation or registration certificate of the person you have the connection to the UK with, and evidence of your relationship to that person, for example a birth, marriage or civil partnership certificate

evidence that you gave up citizenship because you believed you’d be deprived of your citizenship of a Commonwealth country unless you did so - this should be a separate letter explaining this plus any supporting documents

You may have to provide different documents if you originally gave up citizenship for a reason other than you’d have lost or failed to get citizenship of another country - read the guidance for details.

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

When you apply, you’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide your biometric information (your fingerprints and a photo).

You’ll also need to submit your supporting documents. You can:

upload them into the online service

have them scanned at your UKVCAS appointment

You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

You’ll be told how to provide your biometric information and supporting documents when you apply.


Windrush Scheme: get a document showing your right to be in the UK

Overview

If you’re settled in the UK but do not have a document to prove it, you may be eligible to apply to the ‘Windrush Scheme’.

You may be able to apply for a document to prove you can live and work in the UK if one of the following is true:

you came to the UK from a Commonwealth country before 1973

your parents came to the UK from a Commonwealth country before 1973

you came to the UK from any country before 31 December 1988 and are now settled here

It’s free to apply.

You might also be entitled to apply for citizenship for free if you’re a Commonwealth citizen who settled in the UK before 1 January 1973, or you’re the child of someone who did.

If you suffered losses because you did not have documents

If you are eligible for this scheme, you might also be able to apply for compensation. The compensation scheme is for losses that happened because you could not show that you had a right to live in the UK.

‘Losses’ can be things like not being able to work, find a place to live or get health treatment. They can also include immigration action, like detention or removal from the UK.

You arrived before 1973 from a Commonwealth country

You may be able to apply for a document to prove you can live and work in Britain if both of the following apply:

you’re a Commonwealth citizen

you were settled in the UK before 1 January 1973

What you’re entitled to depends on whether you:

have been living in the UK continuously

left the UK for more than 2 years and came back

are outside the UK

If you’ve been living in the UK continuously

If you’ve lived in the UK continuously, or have the right of abode, you can apply for one of the following:

British citizenship

evidence you have the right of abode

Contact the Windrush helpline for help with working out if you’re eligible.

Find out how to apply.

If you’ve left the UK for more than 2 years and come back

If you’ve been away from the UK for more than 2 years at some point and are now lawfully in the UK, you might be entitled to indefinite leave to remain.

If you already have indefinite leave to remain you might be able to apply for either:

a document to prove you have this

British citizenship

Find out how to apply.

If you’re outside the UK

If you’ve left the UK and have lost your indefinite leave to remain, you might be entitled to:

a Returning Resident visa

a 10 year multiple entry visa

You're the child of a Commonwealth citizen who arrived before 1973

You can apply for British citizenship or a document confirming you have indefinite leave to remain.

If you do not have indefinite leave to remain but are here lawfully, you can apply for it through the scheme.

To apply, one of your parents must be a Commonwealth citizen and either:

was settled in the UK before 1 January 1973

had the right of abode

One of the following must also be true:

you were born in the UK

you came to live in the UK before turning 18

You must have lived continuously in the UK since arriving (or being born) here.

Find out how to apply.

You arrived before 1989

You can apply for a document to prove you can live and work in Britain if you came to live in the UK before 31 December 1988 and are now settled here.

You can be of any nationality.

Find out how to apply.

How to apply

When you apply, the Home Office will work with other government departments to find records of you living in the UK.

None of your information will be shared with immigration enforcement teams.

If you’re in the UK

Apply using the Windrush Scheme application form (UK).

Post it to the address on the form with your supporting documents.

The Windrush helpline can post a paper form to you.

If you’re outside the UK

You must apply using an online form.

Fee

It’s free to apply.

What happens next

The Windrush taskforce will get in touch with you if they have any questions about your application, or if they need more information.

Give your fingerprints and photo

You’ll be asked to provide your fingerprints and photo (‘biometric information’) once you’ve sent in your form. You will not have to pay anything to do this.

Commonwealth countries

You may be eligible for the Windrush Scheme if you arrived in the UK from any country before 1989.

You may also be eligible if you or your parent is a citizen of one of the following Commonwealth countries:

Anguilla

Antigua and Barbuda

Australia

The Bahamas

Bangladesh

Barbados

Belize

Bermuda

Botswana

British Antarctic Territory

British Indian Ocean Territory

Brunei

Canada

Cayman Islands

Cyprus (excluding the Sovereign base area)

Dominica

Falkland Islands

Fiji

The Gambia

Ghana

Gibraltar

Grenada

Guyana

Hong Kong

India

Jamaica

Kenya

Kiribati

Lesotho

Malawi

Malaysia

Maldives

Malta

Mauritius

Monserrat

Namibia

Nauru

New Zealand

Nigeria

Pakistan

Papua New Guinea

Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands

Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha

Saint Lucia

Samoa

Seychelles

Sierra Leone

Singapore

Solomon Islands

South Africa

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

Sri Lanka

St Kitts and Nevis

St Vincent and The Grenadines

Swaziland

Tanzania

Tonga

Trinidad and Tobago

Turks and Caicos Islands

Tuvalu

Uganda

Vanuatu

Virgin Islands

Zambia

Zimbabwe

Windrush helpline

The Windrush helpline can:

help you make a claim

give extra support to those who need it - for example, elderly or vulnerable claimants

post a form to you

If you are outside the UK, email the helpline and request a call back.

Outside of the helpline opening hours, you can leave a message to ask for your call to be returned at a convenient time.

You can also sign up for email updates about the scheme.


Apply for a veterans badge or a medal

Apply for a veterans badge

You can get an armed forces veterans badge if you’ve served in any of the UK armed forces - there’s no fee.

Eligibility

You can apply if you were in the:

army

Royal Navy

Royal Marines

Royal Air Force (RAF)

volunteer or regular reserves

You cannot apply if you:

served in the armed forces of another country

served alongside the UK armed forces, for example in the Canadian Navy or Royal Australian Air Force

If you’re applying on behalf of someone who’s died

You can only apply on behalf of a veteran who’s died if you get either:

a War Widow’s or Widower’s Pension

compensation under the Survivors Guaranteed Income Payment (SGIP)

How to apply

Download and fill in the application for an armed forces veterans badge.

You can also call the enquiries line to get a paper application form sent to you.

You’ll need to give as much information on the form as possible, such as:

the force you served in, for example the army or Royal Navy

service number

period of service

Post the form to the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Medal Office - the address is on the form. Do not send the form by email.

After you’ve applied

You’ll usually get your veterans badge within 6 to 8 weeks of applying.

You can also apply for a medal if you’re eligible.

If you lose your badge, you can apply for a replacement.

Get help

If you need to contact MOD about your veterans badge application, you can phone, fax or send an email to dbs-modmo-vetsbadge@mod.gov.uk.

You cannot apply for a veterans badge by email.

Apply for a medal

You can apply for a medal if you served in the armed forces and are eligible.

Find out the types of medal the Ministry of Defence (MOD) issues.

You can only apply for World War 1 medals if the original was returned.

Eligibility

You can apply if you were awarded a medal for service in any of the following:

the army

the Royal Navy

the Royal Marines

the Royal Air Force (RAF)

the Home Guard

the reserve forces

You must meet the eligibility requirements for the medal you’re applying for.

If you’re applying for someone else’s medal

You can apply on behalf of a veteran if you have lasting power of attorney.

If the veteran has died, you must be the official next of kin. The general rules for the official next of kin are:

the person’s spouse or civil partner has the first claim to the medal, and then the eldest child

if there’s no spouse or child, the parent is entitled to apply

if there’s no spouse, child or parent, the eldest grandchild is entitled to apply

How to apply

Download and fill in the medal application form.

Apply through your unit if you’re still serving in the armed forces.

If you’re applying on behalf of someone else, you must include a copy of either your lasting power of attorney or a death certificate.

Post the form, along with any supporting documents, to the MOD Medal Office - the address is on the form. Do not send the form by email.

After you’ve applied

You’ll usually get your medal within 12 weeks of sending the application form.

You can apply for a replacement medal if the original’s been stolen or accidentally destroyed, for example in a fire.

Get help

If you need to contact MOD about your medal application, email dbs-medals@mod.gov.uk.

Replace a badge or medal

You can get the first replacement veterans badge for free.

You may be able to get a replacement medal - it depends how it was lost. You’ll have to pay for the replacement medal plus a fee.

Replace a veterans badge

Follow the instructions for applying for a veterans badge - you can use the same form.

You’ll usually get your replacement veterans badge within 6 to 8 weeks of applying.

You do not have to pay a fee if it’s the first veterans badge you’re replacing.

Replace a medal

You can only get a replacement medal from the Ministry of Defence (MOD) if it was stolen or destroyed, for example in a fire or flood. The medal must have been awarded for service after World War 1.

You’ll need to show proof by providing a copy of either a:

police crime report

successful insurance claim listing the individual items

You can also buy replacement medals from a licensed medal dealer.

How to apply

Download and fill in the medal application form to ask for a replacement medal. Post the form to the MOD Medal Office, along with:

a letter explaining how the medal was stolen or destroyed

a copy of the police report or insurance claim

The address is on the form.

Contact your unit’s human resources (HR) department if you’re currently serving in the armed forces.

After you’ve applied

You’ll get a letter from the Medal Office - usually within 10 working days of when your application’s received.

You’ll be told how much the replacement will cost and how to pay if your application’s successful. The cost depends on the type of medal. It includes an administration fee.

You’ll get the replacement within 4 weeks from the Medal Office getting your payment.

Apply for a UK merchant seafarers veterans badge

You can apply for a UK merchant seafarers veterans badge if you:

were a Merchant Navy seafarer or fisherman

served in a vessel used to support the UK Armed Forces

You can only apply on behalf of a veteran who’s died if you get a War Widow’s or Widower’s Pension.

How to apply

You can apply for a badge through the Merchant Navy Association.

Members of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary

If you’re a member of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, apply for the armed forces veterans badge.

Apply for a UK merchant navy medal

You can apply for a UK merchant navy medal if you were a member of the merchant navy and you:

served in a vessel used to support the UK armed forces

How to apply

Complete the application form and send it to the address on the form. You’ll also need to send your seaman’s discharge book.

If you’re applying for someone else’s medal

You can apply for someone else if either:

they’ve died

you have lasting power of attorney

You must include a copy of the death certificate or your lasting power of attorney.

If the veteran has died, you must be the official next of kin. The general rules are:

the person’s spouse or civil partner has first claim to the medal, and then the eldest child

if there’s no spouse or child, the eldest grandchild is entitled to apply

After you’ve applied

You’ll get a decision within 30 working days of your application being received.

Get help

Email seafarers_registry@mcga.gov.uk if you need help with your application.

Replace a lost or stolen medal

You’ll need to complete the application form if your medal is lost or has been stolen.

If you want to appeal or complain

You can write to or email the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Medal Office if you want to:

appeal a decision

complain about how you’ve been treated

You should include any new evidence you have if you make an appeal.


Become a magistrate

What magistrates do

Magistrates are volunteers who hear cases in courts in their community. They can hear cases in the criminal court, the family court, or both.

Each case is usually heard by 3 magistrates, including a magistrate who is trained to act as a chairperson.

A legal adviser in the court gives advice on the law and makes sure the magistrates follow the right procedures.

Criminal cases

All criminal cases begin in a magistrates’ court.

Magistrates pass the most serious crimes (for example murder, rape and robbery) to the Crown Court. Magistrates decide if the defendant should be:

kept in custody - for example in a police or court cell

let out on strict conditions - for example to keep away from named places or people

Magistrates deal with crimes like:

minor assaults

motoring offences

theft

handling stolen goods

TV licence evasion

Magistrates can give punishments such as:

fines

unpaid work in the community

prison for up to 6 months (or up to 12 months for more than 1 crime)

Family cases

Magistrates can also hear cases at a family court.

These magistrates deal with cases about children. They can:

arrange for a child to be taken into care or put up for adoption

help separated parents make arrangements for their children

enforce child maintenance orders

make court orders to prevent domestic abuse

These magistrates can get advice from the child’s guardian or a family court adviser during the case.

Who can be a magistrate

You need to give up some of your spare time and not everyone can serve as a magistrate.

Qualifications

You do not need formal qualifications or legal training to become a magistrate.

You will get full training for the role, and a legal adviser in court will help you with questions about the law.

Age

You have to be over 18 and under 65.

Magistrates must retire at 70 and are normally expected to serve for at least 5 years.

Health

You need to be able to hear clearly, with or without a hearing aid, to listen to a case.

You also need to be able to sit and concentrate for long periods of time.

Personal qualities

You need to show you’ve got the right personal qualities, for example that you are:

aware of social issues

mature, understand people and have a sense of fairness

reliable and committed to serving the community

You also need to be able to:

understand documents, follow evidence and communicate effectively

think logically, weigh up arguments and reach a fair decision

Good character

It’s unlikely you’ll be taken on if you have been:

found guilty of a serious crime

found guilty of a number of minor offences

banned from driving in the past 5 to 10 years

declared bankrupt

Conflicts of interest

You cannot be a magistrate if you work in one of a small number of jobs where there could be a conflict of interest - for instance if you are a police officer.

Time off for magistrate duties

You will need to be in court for at least 13 days a year, which are usually full days.

Discuss with your employer how you will balance your work and magistrate duties.

Your employer must, by law, allow you reasonable time off work to serve as a magistrate.

You will get your rota well in advance, so you can give your employer plenty of notice of when you’ll be in court.

Pay and allowances

Magistrates are not paid, but many employers allow their employees time off with pay.

If you lose out on pay, you can claim an allowance at a set rate, as well as allowances for travel and subsistence.

Find out more about magistrates’ allowances.

Training to be a magistrate

You will need training to be a magistrate.

The training when you start will add up to about 21 hours, or 3 and a half days, as well as some meetings.

The training could take place over:

a long weekend

weekdays

short evening sessions over several weeks

Apply to be a magistrate

Visit your local court

You should visit your local court at least once, and a few times if you can, to check the role is right for you.

As family cases are heard in private, you will not be able to visit a family court before you apply.

Use the court finder to find your nearest court.

The court can let you know when it’s best to visit and which courtrooms to go and see.

If you are invited to an interview, you will be asked to talk about your visits.

Find out where to apply

You need to apply to the advisory committee for your local court.

Check the list of advisory committees to find out if there are any vacancies in your area, and where you need to apply.

Application form

You can download the application form and guidance notes and email or post it to the advisory committee for your area.

Recruitment queries

Contact your local advisory committee if you have a question about applying to become a magistrate.

You can also contact the Magistrates HR Team.


Claiming Gift Aid as a charity or CASC

Overview

You can claim back 25p every time an individual donates £1 to your charity or community amateur sports club (CASC). This is called Gift Aid.

You must be recognised as a charity or CASC for tax purposes.

There are rules on which donations you can claim Gift Aid on.

You can claim Gift Aid online - you should get your payment within 5 weeks.

What the donor needs to do

The donor must:

have paid at least as much in Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax in that tax year as you want to claim in Gift Aid

make a Gift Aid declaration that gives you permission to claim it

If the donor has not made a declaration you may still be able to claim on cash donations  of £30 or less, for example from a collection.

What you can claim it on

You can claim Gift Aid on donations from individuals. The donor must:

have paid the same amount or more in Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax in that tax year

You must be recognised as a charity or community amateur sports club (CASC) to claim Gift Aid.

Special rules for claiming Gift Aid

There are special rules for:

funds from sponsored challenges for example overseas treks or marathons

charity membership fees

church collections

selling goods on behalf of individuals, for example through a charity shop

charity events or to view charity property

charity auctions

volunteer expenses donated back to your charity or CASC

funds raised through charities involved in running schools

What you cannot claim it on

You cannot claim on donations:

from limited companies

made through Payroll Giving

that are a payment for goods or services or made because your charity or CASC bought goods and services

where the donor gets a ‘benefit’ over a certain limit

of shares

from charity cards or of vouchers, for example Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) vouchers

of membership fees to CASCs

you got before you were a recognised charity or CASC

Gift Aid declarations

To claim Gift Aid you need to get a Gift Aid declaration from the donor. It should state that the donor:

has paid the same amount or more in Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax in that tax year

agrees to Gift Aid being claimed

You must keep a record of declarations for 6 years after the most recent donation you claimed Gift Aid on.

Gift Aid declaration forms

The declaration must include a description of the gift and the:

name of your charity or community amateur sports club (CASC)

donor’s full name

donor’s home address (at least their house number or name and postcode)

Example declarations

Download example Gift Aid declaration forms for:

one-off donations

all donations

sponsored events

Cash donations

You can put a Gift Aid declaration on your charity’s collection envelopes.

You may still be able to claim on cash donations of £30 or less if you do not have a declaration.

Small donations scheme

You may be able to claim 25% on:

cash donations of £30 or less

contactless card donations of £30 or less collected on or after 6 April 2019

This is called the Gift Aid small donations scheme (GASDS). You do not need a Gift Aid declaration to claim.

From 6 April 2016, you can claim up to £2,000 in a tax year or £1,250 for earlier years.

Who can claim

Your charity or CASC must have claimed Gift Aid:

in the same tax year as you want to claim GASDS

without getting a penalty in the last 2 tax years

in at least 2 of the last 4 tax years (without a 2-year gap between claims) if you’re claiming on donations made before 6 April 2017

What you can claim

Your GASDS claim cannot be more than 10 times your Gift Aid claim. For example, you can claim on £1,000 worth of donations through GASDS if you’ve received £100 of Gift Aid donations in the same tax year.

You can claim on donations that are eligible for Gift Aid, but not membership fees.

Collections in community buildings

If your charity has a community building (for example a village hall or religious building) you might be able to claim more on donations collected either:

in your community building

in the same council area as your community building, if you collected the donations on or after 6 April 2017

For somewhere to count as your community building, you need to have hosted at least 6 charity events there. The events must have all been attended by at least 10 people.

If your organisation is connected to another charity or CASC

If one of the charities has a community building, all of the connected charities can either:

claim as if they had a community building

share a single £8,000 limit - all the charities will need to write to HMRC to do this

If none of the charities have a community building, or you’re claiming for donations made before 6 April 2017, the connected charities must share a single £8,000 limit.

If your charity has merged with another charity or CASC you may be able to take on the other charity’s record of good claims.

Keeping records

You need to record the:

total cash donations collected

date of the collection

date it was paid into a bank account

You’ll need to keep records of any contactless card donations that you’ve taken, for example receipts from your card machine.

For collections in community buildings you’ll also need to record:

the address of the place you collected the donations (including postcode)

the type of event

the number of events you held

an estimate of how many people were at the event

when you collected the donations

How to claim

Claim under GASDS in the same way as Gift Aid.

How to claim

You can claim Gift Aid using Charities Online with:

eligible software, like a database

a spreadsheet of your donations

For claims of over 1,000 donations you must use software.

To apply by post use form ChR1, which you can get from the charities helpline.

When you must claim

Your deadline to claim Gift Aid depends on how your charity is set up.

You need to claim for a donation within 4 years of the end of the financial period you received it in. This is:

the tax year (6 April to 5 April) if you’re a trust

your accounting period if your charity is a community amateur sports club (CASC), a Charity Incorporated Organisation (CIO) or a limited company

You must claim on cash donations under the Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme within 2 years of the end of the tax year that the donations were collected in.

Keeping records

You need to keep records of these donations for a further two years.

When you’ll get paid

You’ll get a Gift Aid payment by BACS within:

4 weeks if you claimed online

5 weeks if you claimed by post using form ChR1

Contact the charities helpline if your repayment is wrong or if you submitted an incorrect claim.


Nominate someone for an honour or award

Overview

The honours system recognises people who have:

made achievements in public life

committed themselves to serving and helping Britain

They’ll usually have made life better for other people or be outstanding at what they do.

They must still be actively involved in what you’re nominating them for. The only honours which can be awarded after someone’s death are gallantry awards.

Whether someone gets an honour - and the honour they get - is decided by an honours committee. The committee’s recommendations go to the Prime Minister and then to the Queen, who awards the honour.

Nominating someone for an honour

Anyone can nominate someone for an honour.

How you apply depends on whether you want to:

nominate someone in the UK

nominate someone for their work in responding to coronavirus (COVID-19)

nominate someone overseas

nominate someone for a gallantry award

After you nominate someone for an honour

You’ll get an acknowledgment - but you may not hear anything else for 12 to 18 months.

All nominees will be checked by various government departments to make sure they’re suitable for an honour. This may include checks by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

The honours committee reviews those nominations that are sent to it.

What people get honours for

People get honours for achievements like:

making a difference to their community or field of work

enhancing Britain’s reputation

long-term voluntary service

innovation and entrepreneurship

changing things, with an emphasis on achievement

improving life for people less able to help themselves

displaying moral courage

Honours are given to people involved in fields including:

community, voluntary and local services

arts and media

health

sport

education

science and technology

business and the economy

civil or political service

Group nominations

You can only nominate individuals for honours.

You can nominate a volunteer group for the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Nominate someone who lives in the UK

You can nominate someone for an honour online.

There’s a different process for coronavirus (COVID-19) nominations and gallantry awards.

You’ll need to write a detailed description explaining why you’re nominating them. Read the guidance on how to write a nomination.

You’ll also need:

your nominee’s name, age, address and contact details

details of relevant work or volunteering they’ve done

details of any awards or other recognition they’ve received

2 supporting letters to back up your nomination - these should be from people who know the nominee personally

You can include any evidence you have of recognition your nominee has received for their achievements, for example articles, photos or letters.

You can save your nomination and come back to it later.

Make a nomination

Make a nomination by email

Download and fill in the honours nomination form and email it to the Honours and Appointments Secretariat.

You can also ask the unit questions about the nomination process.

Nominate someone for coronavirus-related work

You can nominate someone who has made an exceptional contribution to the response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis in the UK.

Anyone can make a nomination and there is no deadline. Nominations will be considered by an independent honours committee.

How to make a nomination

What you need to include

You should try to include:

the nominee’s name

any contact details

their role

a summary of the impact the person has made

You can add additional documents, for example letters of support, as attachments to your email.

What happens next

You’ll get an acknowledgment. Nominations will be processed as quickly as possible.

Nominate someone who lives or works abroad

You can nominate someone for an honour if they live or work abroad and they’ve made achievements in either:

the UK and their achievement has a significant international element

another country

They’ll be given an ‘honorary award’ if they’re not:

British

a national of a country where the Queen is Head of State

There’s a different process for gallantry awards.

Download and fill in the nomination form and send it to the Royal, Ceremonial and Honours Unit, part of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

Recommend someone for a gallantry award

Civilian gallantry awards recognise the bravery of people who’ve put themselves in danger to save (or attempt to save) someone’s life. Recommendations are judged on:

degree of risk

how aware the nominee was of the danger

persistence

The incident must have taken place in the last 5 years. You can recommend someone after they’ve died – they’ll get a posthumous award. They do not have to be British (except for the George Cross award).

Types of gallantry awards

You can recommend someone for the:

George Cross (a first-level civilian medal for bravery, for acts of great heroism and courage in extreme danger)

George Medal (a second-level civilian medal for bravery, for acts of great bravery)

Queen’s Gallantry Medal (a third-level civilian medal for bravery, for inspiring acts of bravery)

Queen’s Commendation for Bravery/Bravery in the Air (a fourth-level civilian medal for bravery, for acts which involve risk to life)

How to recommend someone for a gallantry award

Email the Honours and Appointments Secretariat.

You’ll need to write a detailed description explaining why you’re recommending them. Include the person’s:

name

date of birth

address

Give as many details as possible about what happened. This will make your application more likely to be considered. Include:

location

date

any emergency or official services that were there

After you recommend someone for a gallantry award

All recommendations will be assessed by the George Cross Committee, which makes recommendations to the Queen, who awards the honour.

Types of honours and awards

You cannot nominate someone for a specific honour - that’s decided by the honours committee.

There are also awards for bravery, called gallantry awards.

Companion of Honour

This is awarded for having a major contribution to the arts, science, medicine, or government lasting over a long period of time.

Knight or Dame

This is awarded for having a major contribution in any activity, usually at national level. Other people working in the nominee’s area will see their contribution as inspirational and significant, requiring commitment over a long period of time.

Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

This is awarded for having a prominent but lesser role at national level, or a leading role at regional level. You can also get one for a distinguished, innovative contribution to any area.

Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

This is awarded for having a major local role in any activity, including people whose work has made them known nationally in their chosen area.

Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

Awarded for an outstanding achievement or service to the community. This will have had a long-term, significant impact and stand out as an example to others.

British Empire Medal (BEM)

Awarded for a ‘hands-on’ service to the local community. This could be a long-term charitable or voluntary activity, or innovative work of a relatively short duration (3 to 4 years) that has made a significant difference.

Royal Victorian Order (RVO)

An award given by the Queen - usually to people who have helped her personally, like members of the Royal household staff or British ambassadors.

The orders

The committee decides which order someone should be a member of. You do not have to specify this in your nomination.

Order | Who can be nominated

Order of the Bath | Senior civil servants and military officers

Order of St Michael and St George | Diplomats and people serving the UK abroad

Order of the British Empire | Anyone

Companion of Honour (award) | Anyone

Royal Victorian Order | People who have served the Queen or the Monarchy in a personal way

Most awards are in the Order of the British Empire.

Honours lists

The lists of who’s received honours are published at New Year and on the Queen’s official birthday in June.

2021 New Year honours

Read a full listing of the 2021 New Year honours.

2021 Queen’s Birthday honours

Read a full listing of the 2021 Queen’s Birthday honours.

Previous honours lists

Read previous honours lists and reports on the honours system.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Honorary Awards

You can read a list of Honorary Awards approved by Her Majesty the Queen in 2021.

Civilian gallantry awards

You can read the civilian gallantry list approved by Her Majesty the Queen in 2021.


Overview

If your sports club is eligible, you can become a community amateur sports club (CASC). You’ll get:

tax relief on income, gains and profits from some activities

Gift Aid repayments on donations

business rates relief

To benefit you must register with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

You can claim relief on money you use to promote and provide facilities for eligible sports. These are known as ‘qualifying purposes’.

You can’t remove a CASC from the register (‘deregistration’) though you can close it if the club’s members vote and agree.

CASCs and charities

You must choose whether to register as a CASC or a charity. A registered CASC can’t be recognised as a charity for tax purposes.

CASCs aren’t regulated by the Charity Commission.

Eligibility

To register as a CASC you must provide facilities for eligible sports and encourage people to take part. Under the new rules from 1 April 2015, at least 50% of members must take part.

You must also:

be set up with a formal constitution, known as a governing document

be open to the whole community and have affordable membership fees

be organised on an amateur basis

be set up and provide facilities in the UK, the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway (but in one country only)

be managed by ‘fit and proper persons’

Governing document

This is the document that sets out the purpose and structure of your club. It may also be called a ‘memorandum and articles of association’.

It must:

set out how you meet the eligibility criteria for registering as a CASC

state that any assets left after the club closes are only used by another registered CASC, charity or related community sport

Open to the whole community

CASCs must be open to people of all ethnicities, nationalities, sexual orientations, religions or beliefs, sexes, ages and ability - except when a certain level of physical ability is needed to take part in a sport.

Membership fees

CASCs can’t charge more than £31 a week for membership, and clubs that charge more than £10 a week must provide help (eg a discount) for people who can’t pay.

You can charge different fees for different types of members, like juniors or students, as long as you’re not discriminating against groups or individuals.

Organised on an amateur basis

CASCs must:

not make a profit, unless this is reinvested in the club and spent only on promoting participation and providing facilities for eligible sports

not pay more than £10,000 in total to all players in a year (before 1 April 2015 CASCs couldn’t pay players at all)

provide only the benefits normally associated with an amateur sports club, eg use of equipment, coaching, post-match refreshments

only pay expenses for matches and tours where players take part in and promote the club’s sport (before 1 April 2015 clubs couldn’t pay any expenses)

Register

Register as a community amateur sports club (CASC) by filling in form CASC (A1) if your CASC is eligible.

You can’t withdraw an application once it’s been made.

What you need to complete the form

You must be the club’s ‘authorised official’ or ‘responsible person’ to fill in the form. You’ll also need:

details of at least 2 other officials, including National Insurance and telephone numbers

the name and address of the club

a correspondence address, if that’s different

the number of members or subscriptions

company or VAT references, if applicable

details of a nominee or agent, if the club has one

the club’s bank details

details of the club’s income

Within 30 days of applying, you must send copies of the club’s:

accounts from the last 12 months

bank statements from the last 3 months

rules or articles of association

You must include a translation of any documents not in English.

Send them to the address on the form.

How long the application takes

You should get a response within 3 weeks.

If your application is refused

HMRC will explain the reasons and what you need to change.

You can appeal in writing to HMRC within 30 days of their decision if you think it’s wrong.

If you’re not satisfied with the outcome you have a further 30 days to appeal to the tax tribunal.

Help with registering

You can get more help and information from HMRC’s charities helpline.


Running a community amateur sports club (CASC)

Overview

As a community amateur sports club (CASC) you must tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) about:

any tax you need to pay

changes within your organisation

The rules for CASCs changed on 1 April 2015. Check whether you need to make changes to meet the new rules.

When you need to pay tax

You don’t pay tax on some income as long as you:

are registered as a CASC with HMRC

use it to promote participation in and provide facilities for eligible sports

You may need to pay tax if:

your club uses money for other (non-qualifying) purposes

your trading or property rental income is more than the threshold for relief

Register for VAT

Your CASC must register for VAT if your taxable turnover is more than £85,000.

You can choose to register if it’s below this, for example to reclaim VAT on business supplies.

Taxable turnover includes everything you sell that’s not exempt from VAT. Income from sporting activities and fundraising events is exempt.

Changes to your CASC

You must report changes to your club’s:

contact details

bank details

management

You can close a CASC but can’t remove it from the register (this is called ‘deregistration’).

If you change the way you run your CASC you must still meet the rules on eligibility. If you don’t, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) can cancel your registration.

Get help and advice

You can get help and advice on CASCs and charities from HMRC’s charities helpline.

Advice and support is also available from cascinfo.co.uk.

Paying tax

Community amateur sports clubs (CASCs) need to pay Corporation Tax on any income or capital gains that don’t qualify for tax relief.

If your CASC needs to pay tax you must:

file a Company Tax Return

include form CT600E if you’re claiming relief on any income or gains

If you have no tax to pay you only need to complete a tax return if HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) asks you to.

Limited companies must also send annual accounts to Companies House.

You may have to pay a fine if you don’t complete a tax return when you need to or you file your tax return late.

Reporting changes

Use form ChV1 to report changes to your community amateur sports club (CASC).

Allow at least 30 days for HMRC to register your changes.

Changes you have to report

You must tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) about changes to your:

organisation’s contact details

authorised officials or responsible persons

nominees’ details, including their bank or building society account changes

bank or building society account details

You can also use the form to tell HMRC about any other changes, for example changes to your constitution.

You must report any changes that would affect your club’s eligibility to be a CASC.

Closing or deregistering a CASC

Only HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) can deregister your CASC.

If your club’s members vote and agree to close your CASC, you must:

let HMRC know

follow the rules in your governing document

HMRC will tell you if you have to complete a Company Tax Return.

Disposing of assets

There are rules about what you do with your assets (for example, land or money) when you close a CASC.

Any remaining assets must only be used for:

related community sport (as decided by your sport’s governing body)

another registered CASC

a charity

Your CASC would otherwise have to pay Corporation Tax.

If your club is removed from the register

HMRC can cancel your CASC registration by writing to the club secretary if it decides your club is no longer eligible. This can be backdated.

If HMRC deregisters your CASC you:

will no longer get tax exemptions as of the deregistration date

may have to pay Corporation Tax on any assets taken out of the club


Set up a charity

Set up a charity

There are 6 steps to setting up a charity.

Find trustees for your charity - you usually need at least 3.

Make sure the charity has ‘charitable purposes for the public benefit’.

Choose a name for your charity.

Choose a structure for your charity.

Create a ‘governing document’.

Register as a charity if your annual income is over £5,000 or if you set up a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO).

There are different rules in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Tax relief

To get tax relief your charity needs to be recognised by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Charitable purposes

Your charity must have ‘charitable purposes’ that help the public (known as being ‘for public benefit’).

Charitable purposes include things that contribute to:

relieving poverty

education

religion

health

saving lives

citizenship or community development

the arts

amateur sport

human rights

religious or racial harmony

the protection of the environment

animal welfare

the efficiency of the armed forces, police, fire or ambulance services

Read guidance on writing your charitable purposes.

You should also read about public benefit to decide if your charity’s aims are suitable.

You can’t set up a charity to help one specific person.

Name your charity

Your charity name must not:

be similar to the name of an existing charity (unless you can prove you need to use it)

use words you don’t have permission to use, for example a trade mark

use offensive words or acronyms

be misleading, for example suggest your charity does something it doesn’t

Search the charities register to check the names of registered charities. Unregistered charities won’t appear in the register.

Additional names

You can use:

abbreviations, for example National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children is known as NSPCC

alternative names, for example Comic Relief is a working name for Charity Projects

You must list any alternative or working names your charity uses when you apply to register.

Non-English names

You must include a translation of any non-English words in your charity’s name when you register.

Using ‘charity’ in a name

You can use the words ‘charity’, ‘charities’ or ‘charitable’ in your charity’s name but you need approval from the Charity Commission if you use them when you register a company name with Companies House.

Structures

You must choose a structure for your charity, which will affect things like:

who runs the charity

how the charity is run

what the charity can do, for example employ people or own property

There are 4 common charity structures.

Charitable company

Your charitable companies will have to be limited by guarantees rather than shares when you register. Select ‘private company limited by guarantee’ on the form.

Trustees have limited or no liability for a charitable company’s debts or liabilities.

Apply online

You can apply online to register a charitable company with Companies House.

Apply by post

Fill in the form to register a charitable company with Companies House by post.

It costs £40.

You may also need:

continuation sheets if you need extra space to write

a Welsh version of the form

Charitable incorporated organisation (CIO)

A CIO is an incorporated structure designed for charities. You create a CIO by registering with the Charity Commission. You don’t need to register with Companies House.

Trustees have limited or no liability for CIO debts or liabilities.

Charitable trust

A ‘charitable trust’ is a way for a group of people (‘trustees’) to manage assets such as money, investments, land or buildings.

Unincorporated charitable association

An ‘unincorporated charitable association’ is a simple way for a group of volunteers to run a charity for a common purpose.

Unincorporated charitable associations can’t employ staff or own premises.

Governing document

You must create a ‘governing document’ (or ‘rulebook’) for your charity that explains how your charity is run.

Your governing document lets trustees and other interested parties find out:

your charity’s purpose

who runs it and how they run it

how trustees will be appointed

rules about trustees’ expenses

rules about payments to trustees

how to close the charity

What type of governing document you need depends on your charity structure.

Read guidance on writing your governing document, including example templates.

You can create your governing document using your own templates but it may mean registration takes longer.

The trustees must meet to sign the governing document. You’ll need an independent witness if you’re setting up a charitable trust.

Register your charity

You must apply to register your charity if:

its income is at least £5,000 per year or it’s a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO)

it’s based in England or Wales (the rules are different in Scotland and Northern Ireland

Supporting documents

When you apply you’ll be asked:

about your charity’s charitable purposes

how you run your charity for public benefit

for proof that your charity’s annual income is above £5,000, unless you’re a CIO

You’ll also need to give your charity’s:

name

bank or building society details

most recent accounts

contact details, including a postal address

trustees’ names, dates of birth and contact details

a copy of your charity’s governing document (in PDF format)

Proof of income

Proof of income, if needed, can be any one of:

your charity’s latest ‘published’ annual accounts (in PDF format) - they must have been approved as proof of income by an independent examiner or auditor

a recent bank statement (as a scanned image)

a formal offer of funding from a recognised funding body (as a scanned image)


Tax relief when you donate to a charity

Overview

Donations by individuals to charity or to community amateur sports clubs (CASCs) are tax free. This is called tax relief.

The tax goes to you or the charity. How this works depends on whether you donate:

through Gift Aid

straight from your wages or pension through a Payroll Giving scheme

land, property or shares

in your will

This also applies to sole traders and partnerships. There are different rules for limited companies.

If you want to donate to a sports club, check if it’s registered as a community amateur sports club (CASC). You cannot donate to a CASC through Payroll Giving.

Keeping records

You’ll need to keep a record of your donations if you want to take them off your total taxable income.

Gift Aid

Donating through Gift Aid means charities and community amateur sports clubs (CASCs) can claim an extra 25p for every £1 you give. It will not cost you any extra.

Charities can claim Gift Aid on most donations, but some payments do not qualify.

What you need to do

You need to make a Gift Aid declaration for the charity to claim. You usually do this by filling in a form - contact the charity if you have not got one.

You must give a declaration to each charity you want to donate to through Gift Aid.

You can include all donations from the last 4 years. Tell the charity about any tax years where you did not pay enough tax.

Paying enough tax to qualify for Gift Aid

Your donations will qualify as long as they’re not more than 4 times what you have paid in tax in that tax year (6 April to 5 April).

The tax could have been paid on income or capital gains.

You must tell the charities you support if you stop paying enough tax.

Higher rate taxpayers

If you pay tax above the basic rate, you can claim the difference between the rate you pay and basic rate on your donation. It’s the same if you live in Scotland. Do this either:

through your Self Assessment tax return

by asking HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to amend your tax code

With Payroll Giving, you do not pay the difference between the higher and basic rate of tax on your donation.

Getting tax relief sooner

In your Self Assessment tax return, you normally only report things from the previous tax year.

But for Gift Aid, you can also claim tax relief on donations you make in the current tax year (up to the date you send your return) if you either:

want tax relief sooner

will not pay higher rate tax in current year, but you did in the previous year

You cannot do this if:

you miss the deadline
 (31 January if you file online)

your donations do not qualify for Gift Aid - your donations from both tax years together must not be more than 4 times what you paid in tax in the previous year

If you do not have to send a tax return, contact HMRC and ask for a P810 form. You’ll need to submit it by 31 January after the end of the previous tax year.

Donating straight from your wages or pension

If your employer, company or personal pension provider runs a Payroll Giving scheme, you can donate straight from your wages or pension. This happens before tax is deducted from your income.

Ask your employer or pension provider if they run a Payroll Giving scheme.

You cannot donate to a community amateur sports club (CASC) through Payroll Giving.

The tax relief you get depends on the rate of tax you pay. To donate £1, you pay:

80p if you’re a basic rate taxpayer

60p if you’re a higher rate taxpayer

55p if you’re an additional rate taxpayer

The tax relief you get is different if you live in Scotland. To donate £1, you pay:

81p if you’re a starter rate taxpayer

80p if you’re a basic rate taxpayer

79p if you’re a intermediate rate taxpayer

59p if you’re a higher rate taxpayer

54p if you’re a top rate taxpayer

Donating land, property or shares

You do not have to pay tax on land, property or shares you donate to charity. This includes selling them for less than their market value.

You get tax relief on both:

Income Tax

Capital Gains Tax

You cannot get Income Tax relief on donations to community amateur sports clubs (CASCs).

You must keep records of the donation to show that you’ve made the gift or sale and that the charity has accepted it.

Income Tax relief

You can pay less Income Tax by deducting the value of your donation from your total taxable income. Do this for the tax year (6 April to 5 April) in which you made the gift or sale to charity.

How to claim

If you complete a Self Assessment tax return, add the amount you’re claiming in the ‘Charitable giving’ section of the form. This will reduce your Self Assessment bill.

If you do not complete a tax return, write to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) with details of the gift or sale and your tax relief amount. You’ll either get a refund, or your tax code will be changed so you pay less Income Tax for that tax year.

Capital Gains Tax relief

You do not have to pay Capital Gains Tax on land, property or shares you give to charity.

You may have to pay if you sell them for more than they cost you but less than their market value. Work out your gain using the amount the charity actually pays you, rather than the value of the asset.

Selling land, property or shares on behalf of a charity

When you offer a gift of land, property or shares, the charity may ask you to sell the gift on its behalf.

You can do this and still claim tax relief for the donation, but you must keep records of the gift and the charity’s request. Without them, you might have to pay Capital Gains Tax.

Leaving gifts to charity in your will

Your will says what will happen to your money, property and possessions after you die.

Your donation will either:

be taken off the value of your estate before Inheritance Tax is calculated

reduce your Inheritance Tax rate, if 10% or more of your estate is left to charity

You can donate:

a fixed amount

an item

what’s left after other gifts have been given out

Writing your will

Find out how to write or update your will, including how to make sure it’s legal.

Include the charity’s full name - check with them or search the charity register in England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.

Keeping records

You need to keep records of donations if you want to claim tax back on them.

Gift Aid donations

Keep records if you:

pay higher rate tax

claim tax credits

get a higher Personal Allowance because of your age

get Married Couple’s Allowance

If you’re claiming tax back through your Self Assessment tax return or by asking HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) to amend your tax code keep records showing the date, the amount and which charities you’ve donated to.

Land, buildings and shares

For donations of land, property or shares you need to keep:

legal documents showing the sale or transfer to charity

any documents from a charity asking you to sell land or shares on its behalf

You normally have to keep your records for at least 22 months from the end of the tax year they’re for.


VAT for charities

Overview

As a charity you do not pay VAT when you buy some goods and services.

Community amateur sports clubs (CASCs) do not qualify for the same VAT reliefs as charities.

How to get VAT relief

You must prove to the person who’s selling the goods or services to you that you’re eligible for relief. You do not need to be registered for VAT.

When you must register for VAT

You must register for VAT if your charity’s VAT taxable turnover (the total value of everything you sell that isn’t exempt from VAT) is more than £85,000.

You can choose to register if it’s below this, for example if you want to reclaim VAT on your supplies.

Get help with VAT

Contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) if you have questions about VAT for your charity.

What qualifies for VAT relief

Charities pay VAT on all standard-rated goods and services they buy from VAT-registered businesses. They pay VAT at a reduced rate (5%) or the ‘zero rate’ on some goods and services.

What qualifies for the reduced rate

Your charity pays 5% VAT on fuel and power if they’re for:

residential accommodation (for example, a children’s home or care home for the elderly)

charitable non-business activities (for example, free daycare for disabled people)

small-scale use (up to 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity a month or a delivery of 2,300 litres of gas oil)

If less than 60% of the fuel and power is for something that qualifies, you’ll pay the reduced rate of VAT on the qualifying part and the standard rate (20%) on the rest.

Qualifying fuel and power includes gases, electricity, oils and solid fuels (such as coal). It does not include vehicle fuel.

What qualifies for the zero rate

Find out about the conditions you must meet so that your charity pays no VAT (the zero rate) when you buy:

advertising and items for collecting donations

aids for disabled people

construction services

drugs and chemicals

equipment for making ‘talking’ books and newspapers

lifeboats and associated equipment, including fuel

medicine or ingredients for medicine

resuscitation training models

medical, veterinary and scientific equipment

ambulances

goods for disabled people

motor vehicles designed or adapted for a disability

rescue equipment

VAT-free goods from outside the UK

Charities do not pay VAT on goods imported from outside the UK as long as they’re benefiting people in need by providing:

basic necessities

equipment and office materials to help run your organisation for the benefit of people in need

goods to be used or sold at charity events

You can check which goods you can claim VAT relief for, as well as how to claim.

How to claim VAT relief

To get VAT relief you must give your supplier:

evidence that you’re a charity

a written declaration or ‘certificate’ confirming that you’re eligible for the relief

Evidence of charitable status

This can be either your:

Charity Commission registration number

letter of recognition from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)

Scottish and Northern Irish charities must provide their letter of recognition from HMRC.

Written declaration

You must give your supplier an eligibility declaration or certificate when they sell you goods or services at zero rate VAT. There are examples of declarations and certificates for different goods.

If you’re buying building or construction services at zero VAT, the certificate must follow a set format.

The written declaration or certificate should be separate from the order form or invoice for the goods or services your charity is buying.

Charities and VAT registration

As a charity, you must register for VAT with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) if your VAT taxable turnover is more than £85,000.

You can choose to register if it’s below this, for example to reclaim VAT on your supplies.

If you’re registered for VAT you must send a return every 3 months.

Work out your taxable turnover

To work out your VAT taxable turnover add up the total value of everything you sell in a 12-month period that is not:

exempt from VAT

outside the scope of VAT

Check what VAT rate applies to your charity’s activities.

Exempt from VAT

You cannot charge VAT on exempt goods and services (such as the provision of welfare services). You cannot normally reclaim VAT on any goods and services purchased in relation to an exempt business activity.

You cannot register for VAT if all your business activities are exempt from VAT.

Outside the scope of VAT

Income from non-business activities is ‘outside the scope’ of VAT (you cannot charge or reclaim VAT on them). This includes:

donations where nothing is given in return

grant funding given to support your charitable activities where nothing is given in return

activities where your organisation does not make a charge

Read more about what counts as a business activity.

Charging VAT

Once you’ve registered you must charge VAT at the correct rate on everything you supply.

Reclaiming VAT

If you’re registered you may be able to reclaim VAT when you file your VAT Return.

You can reclaim the VAT you were charged on goods and services relating to your taxable business activities.

Exports outside the UK

If you supply goods outside the UK free of charge (for example as aid), you can treat this as a zero-rate business activity (0% VAT) so you can reclaim the VAT on any associated costs.


Volunteer as a coastguard

What the Coastguard Rescue Service does

The Coastguard Rescue Service is made up of volunteers and is part of HM Coastguard.

As a coastguard rescue officer you may have to:

help rescue people trapped on the coast, for example on cliffs, stuck in mud or in the water

search for missing people

report and deal with pollution and other hazards

help emergency services and local authorities during emergencies, for example flooding

gather information for the coastguard operations centre

go to schools, clubs and other public places to tell people about staying safe at sea and along the coast

carry out duties for the Receiver of Wreck, for example dealing with wreckage or dead whales and dolphins on the shoreline

What to expect as a volunteer

As a coastguard rescue officer you:

could be called out at any time of the day or night

may have to work in hazardous situations for long hours

may have to carry out physically demanding tasks, for example carrying heavy equipment to rescue sites

As a volunteer you will not be paid. You can claim a small amount for your time and expenses.

Volunteering and working

You can have a full time job and still be a coastguard rescue officer.

You must ask your employer if you can respond to emergencies during work hours before you become a volunteer.

You can still go on holiday - just let your coastguard manager know when you’re going to be away.

Training and equipment

You must pass initial training by HM Coastguard, followed by regular training to keep your skills up to date.

This will include training in:

first aid

water rescue

map work

search techniques

communications

skills you need for your local area, for example rope rescue, mud rescue

Training is often held in the evenings or at weekends.

You’ll be given all the equipment and protective clothing that you need.

Who can apply

All of the following must apply:

you’re aged 18 or over

you have a full driving licence

you live or work within 30 minutes of the rescue station - check the map to find your nearest station

Your local station may have further requirements, for example you may need to live closer to the station.

Health and fitness

You need to be reasonably fit and generally in good health. You must also:

weigh 120kg or less

have a waist measurement of 110cm or less

You must take a health and fitness test, and meet eyesight and hearing requirements.

If you have type 1 diabetes there will be restrictions on what activities you can do. Contact crsenquiries@mcga.gov.uk to find out if you can apply.

How to apply

Contact your local area management team to find out if there are any volunteering opportunities.

To do this, you need to find which team is responsible for your area.

Check the map of coastguard stations in the UK. If you cannot access the map, contact crsenquiries@mcga.gov.uk.

Find the coastguard station you want to volunteer at on the map.

Check which area the station is in, for example ‘Area 1’.

Email the relevant area - you can find the contact details in the table. Use the subject line ‘coastguard rescue service enrolment’. Do not send your CV or any other attachments.

Area contact details

Find the email address for your local area.

Coastguard area | Email address |

1 | area1@mcga.gov.uk |

2 | area2@mcga.gov.uk |

3 | area3@mcga.gov.uk |

4 | area4@mcga.gov.uk |

5 | area5@mcga.gov.uk |

6 | area6@mcga.gov.uk |

7 | area7@mcga.gov.uk |

8 | area8@mcga.gov.uk |

9 | area9@mcga.gov.uk |

10 | area10@mcga.gov.uk |

11 | area11@mcga.gov.uk |

12 | area12@mcga.gov.uk |

13 | area13@mcga.gov.uk |

14 | area14@mcga.gov.uk |

15 | area15@mcga.gov.uk |

16 | area16@mcga.gov.uk |

17 | area17@mcga.gov.uk |

18 | area18@mcga.gov.uk |


Volunteer opportunities, rights and expenses

Find volunteer opportunities

You can find volunteering opportunities on the:

Do-it website

Volunteering Matters website for young, older and disabled volunteers

National Association for Voluntary and Community Action website

local Volunteer Centre website

Reach Volunteering website for volunteers with specific skills - like accountancy, marketing, law, management, mentoring or IT

Volunteering Wales website

Volunteer Scotland website

Find out about volunteering during coronavirus (COVID-19).

Volunteers' rights

You do not have a contract of employment as a volunteer, so you do not have the same rights as an employee or worker.

You will usually be given a volunteer agreement that explains:

the level of supervision and support you’ll get

what training you’ll get

whether you’re covered under the organisation’s employer or public liability insurance

health and safety issues

any expenses the organisation will cover

The volunteer agreement is not compulsory, but sets out what you can expect from the organisation you’re volunteering for. It does not form a contract between you and the organisation.

The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) has information on volunteers’ legal status.

When you can volunteer

Age limits

There’s no upper age limit on volunteering, but anyone over 70 will need to follow public health advice on volunteering during coronavirus (COVID-19).

Some organisations’ insurance policies do not cover you if you’re under 16 or over a certain age.

You cannot work for a profit-making organisation if you’re under 14, even if you’re not paid.

Your local council might have extra rules about the work you can do as a young person.

Volunteering and benefits

You can volunteer and claim benefits if:

the only money you get from volunteering is to cover expenses, like travel costs

you continue to meet the conditions of the benefit you get

Criminal records

If you have a criminal record you can still volunteer in most roles, depending on your offences. You might need a Disclosure and Barring Service check if you want to volunteer with children or vulnerable adults.

Pay and expenses

You are not paid for your time as a volunteer, but you may get money to cover expenses. This is usually limited to food, drink, travel or any equipment you need to buy.

You may need to pay tax on your driving expenses if you get back more than you spent.

You might be classed as an employee or worker rather than a volunteer if you get any other payment, reward or benefit in kind. This includes any promise of a contract or paid work in the future.

You get certain employment rights if you’re classed as an employee or worker, like getting the minimum wage.