Parents whose children are starting primary school in September 2017 have until 15 January to apply for a place.
Applications to apply for school places opened on 1 November 2016 for the majority of local councils.
Parents can apply online by entering their postcode on the Government’s website or request a paper form from their local council.
They must apply for three schools, one being their child’s catchment school. Once the application has been submitted, an automated email acknowledgement will be sent to confirm it has been received.
Offers of primary school places will be released on 18 April 2017. If a parent wishes to appeal the school, they must do so by 16 May 2017.
If a parent misses the deadline, 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 the preferred 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.
To begin the process of applying for a primary school place, click here.