School Admissions Process Checklist

A well-managed admissions process is the first impression a school makes on families and directly affects enrolment targets. This checklist guides admissions officers and headteachers through every stage of the annual admissions cycle, from opening applications to placing students in classes on first day. It covers document collection, communication touchpoints, applicant screening, fee payment confirmation, and class allocation — all tuned to the African school context where most communication happens via SMS and WhatsApp.

For: Admissions officers, headteachers, registrars, and front-desk administrators managing student intake for primary, secondary, or boarding schools. · When: Start this checklist 3–4 months before the start of the new academic year. For boarding schools, allow an extra month for dormitory allocation and parent orientation.