Parents urged to think about school applications early

It might seem a long way into the future, but Plymouth parents whose children are due to start school next year are being encouraged to get their applications in early.

Plymouth City Council is now taking applications from families whose children are due to start at primary school for the first time or junior school (having completed Year 2 in an infant school) in September 2015.

The deadline for primary and junior school admission preferences is Thursday 15 January and Plymouth City Council is urging parents not to leave their applications until the last minute.

Councillor Sue McDonald, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Public Health said: “It’s really important that parents get their applications in for their preferred school as soon as they can and tell us which three schools are their top choices.”

“The last thing we want is for parents to leave it to the last minute, as there could be some unforeseen circumstance that prevents them applying. So it’s crucial they complete the admissions form as soon as possible.”

The easiest way to apply for a place is online through the Council’s website at www.plymouth.gov.uk/schooladmissions where you will find full details on how to apply and how the admissions system works.

Each school now has its own admission criteria, so it’s important to look at the information relating to specific schools in the admission guidance booklet also on our website.

Parents are warned if they apply late there is a risk that all the places at their preferred schools will be filled by applicants who applied on time. To maximise the chances of being allocated a place at a preferred school, parents are advised to list 3 schools in their application. Where the Council is unable to allocate a place at one of the parent’s preferences, a place will be allocated at the nearest suitable school to the home address with a vacancy after all the preference applications have been considered.

Last year the Council was able to match 89 per cent of young people and parents with their first choice of primary school, 100 per cent with their first choice of junior school and 95 per cent with their first choice of secondary school.

For more information call the council’s school admissions team on 01752 668000
or email schooladmissions@plymouth.gov.uk