Tuesday 8 January 2019

Deadline for Primary school applications is January 15th

Parents across Bath and North East Somerset whose children are due to start primary school in September are being reminded that the deadline for applications is fast approaching.

Applications must be received by midnight on Tuesday 15 January.  Any applications submitted after this time will be considered as ‘late applications’ and will be dealt with at a later stage when all ‘on-time applications’ have been processed. The same deadline applies to children transferring to a junior school in year 3 in September.

There are 63 primary schools in Bath and North East Somerset, and competition is tough as each school has a limited number of places. Therefore, all parents are strongly advised to give three preferences in ranked order. The preferences can be for schools in any local authority area and can include Academy, Foundation or Voluntary Aided schools.

When choosing schools, parents are advised to do their research and consider factors such as each school's admissions criteria and how they would get their child there. The council will then allocate each child to a school, depending on a combination of their parents' preferences, the criteria for entry, and the number of places available.

Choosing a school that is right for your child is one of the most important decisions parents can make. We are very fortunate to have many good or outstanding secondary schools in Bath and North East Somerset, but there is stiff competition for places. 

By naming all three preferences parents will maximise their child’s chances of being offered a place at a school they like. All preferences are considered in ranked order.

Parents who live in Bath and North East Somerset can apply for a place for their child via the council's admissions website or by completing a downloaded hard copy that can be emailed or posted. 

Those who live outside Bath and North East Somerset must apply via their own local authority. Regardless of the method, the council must receive your application by midnight on Tuesday 15 January for your child to be considered for a place.

Offers of places will be made on 16 April 2019. Parents who are resident in Bath & North East Somerset not offered a place at their preferred school(s) will be offered a place at the nearest suitable school with a place available.