Sch.uk Domain Names for English schools have been rationalised by an initiative that forms part of the Government's National Grid for Learning Program. The "School Names on the Net" project allocated every school in England with a unique Domain Name in a logical, coherent and transparent way. As such no further applications will be accepted for English .sch.uk domain names via the Nominet automated system.
Process for changing or establishing a .sch.uk domain name in England.
This domain name is only available to schools. Schools are identified by their DCSF number. The structure of the name is:
Existing schools will have a domain name registered by Nominet which can be used for no charge and with no need to re-register after two years. Maintained schools should contact their LEA to confirm the domain name that has been allocated to their school. Independent schools should contact Nominet directly.
New schools, and schools wishing to change their designated name should contact Nominet* to register a name of their choice. Proposed names will be checked against the register and will be rejected if there is a conflict with an existing name or if they do not follow the format for .sch.uk domain names (shown above).
Please note, where a school has changed name, amalgamated or is a brand new school, there will be no charge for the registration of the new .sch.uk domain name. However, if the school wishes to abbreviate the current domain name they have registered, Nominet will charge £5 + VAT for this change. Once payment has been received the new domain name will be registered and the old domain name will be cancelled.
Where two or more schools in an LEA have similar names, e.g. St Mary's, then a school seeking to change its designated name must confirm that the other schools have been consulted before seeking to change its domain name.
If a school wishes to register a domain name that is not accepted by Nominet the request will be referred to DCSF.
A document answering the most commonly asked questions about the School Names on the Net Project is available here.
*Nominet, Minerva House, Edmund Halley Road, Oxford Science Park, Oxford, OX4 4DQ
schoolnames@nominet.org.uk
ph. 01865 332244
fax. 01865 332288
Information for Registrars
Any new school (or schools that have changed their name) that wish to register a .sch.uk domain name should follow the procedure detailed below.
All new .sch.uk Domain Name applications made by English schools must be made following the <school name>.<geographical area>.sch.uk format. The <geographical area> section is fixed for unitary authority maintained schools. A list of the current LEA geographical endings which can be used is available.
Each application is dealt with by Nominet UK. It must comply with the following criteria: