When will I find out if my child has got in?
Offers of primary school places will be released on 16 April 2018.
At what age is my child eligible to start school?
Children are eligible to go to school in the September after their fourth birthday, however the Government website states you can ask for your child to be held back a school year if “they were born in the summer (1 April to 31 August)” or if “you don’t think they’re ready to start in the September after they turn four”.
Parents are requested to contact the school’s admission authority to make a request. This is usually the school or local council.
This is something schools minister Nick Gibb has recently spoken out about and he has proposed making an adjustment to the current system.
“The issue of summer born children is something that we are concerned about,” Gibbs said, speaking at the British Library on 6 December.
“I do accept there is a link between the month that your child is born and academic results, particularly in the early years of primary school and that’s why we want to give parents that option to delay when they start Reception.”
What happens if I miss the application deadline?
If a parent misses the application deadline in January, they will need to complete an application form only available from their local council.
This could mean a child is less likely to get a place at their preferred school.
What if I don’t get the school I want for my child?
Children may be turned down by their parents’ preferred coice of school for various reasons including: if the school is oversubscribed, if it is out of your catchment area, or if the school has certain requirements - e.g. requiring children who are christened at a Catholic school.
Once you’ve found out the school your child has a place at, you might wish to appeal this decision.
Your appeal could be successful if:
:: The admission arrangements haven’t been properly followed.
:: The admission criteria aren’t legal according to the school admissions appeal code.
:: The decision to refuse your child a place wasn’t “reasonable”.
How can I get help with the appeals process?
If you looking for advice or specific guidance on helping you with the appeals process, contact Coram Children’s Legal Centre.
To begin the process of applying for a primary school place, click here.