Don't miss the deadline for online applications!

The school applications deadline has passed.

The deadlines for both primary and secondary applications have now passed.

If your child is set to move on to primary school or secondary school next year you should have already applied for their place.

But you can still apply online or on the paper application form until 17 November, or by paper only after this date. A late application may mean you are less likely to gain a place at one of the schools listed on your form.

You can find out about the online application process from Keith Emsall, Executive Member for Education and Culture, in a webcast available here at www.hertsdirect.org

Keith Emsall said: “You can apply online or on paper but many parents find that applying online is quick, easy and secure. Nearly 90 percent of the applications we received for secondary and primary school places in 2007 came through our website. The online form takes less than ten minutes to complete and most parents and carers told us they found it really convenient and easy to use.”

Before applying, parents and carers should have identified their three preferred schools in rank order. Visits to the schools to see if they would suit your child are highly recommended. Because many schools receive more applications than they have places, there are admission rules to decide which children get places at which schools. It is also recommended that parents and carers read about the admissions and home to school transport policies before making their decision.

Councillor Emsall added:” Starting school or moving on to secondary school are important steps for children. This year, the county council's admissions team will handle more than 45,000 applications for school places, so it's important you get your application in before the deadline. Remember, if your application is late, then you're much less likely to get a place at the school of your choice, even if you live very close by or have another child already at the school.”

Last year 93 per cent of children were given a place at one of their three ranked secondary schools and 95 per cent were offered places at one of their three ranked primary schools.

Parent and carers who need extra support with their child’s school can contact the Parents Partnership Service for advice. The contact details are on the link below.

This page was published on 1 Oct 2008