Parents with children due to start school in September are reminded the deadline for completing their online application form is 15 January.
The council’s continuing investment in building new schools means there are once again going to be enough places for every child in the borough. However, parents are still advised to make sure they use all six options on the application form to give them the best chance of getting an offer at a preferred or nearby school.
The council’s funding of permanent and temporary expansions at four schools in the borough means there will be 150 extra places available this year.
Parents can access the application form at www.eadmissions.org.uk and are advised when selecting their top six schools to include the most local school to their home which uses distance as a selection criteria, even if it is in sixth place.
Children will always be offered the highest-ranked school which has available space from their list, so putting in additional choices won’t reduce the chances of being offered a school listed as a higher preference.
However, if only some of the six options are used, and none of these have spaces, an offer will be made from the places that are left elsewhere after the first allocations round.
Parents should also check on each school’s admissions policy to make sure they do not put their child down for a school that would be unlikely to accept them.
“Once again this council has ensured there are sufficient school places for every child. We are constantly looking for new sites to make sure future generations can enjoy top-quality education in the borough.
“However, it’s really important parents use all six options on their form as many schools often receive more applications than they have spaces for.
“Choosing a child’s first school is an important decision, but by following our guidance parents are more likely to be allocated a place they and their child are happy with.”
Councillor Alisa Flemming, cabinet member for children, young people and learning
