Welcome to Primary School Places

Applying for a school place in an Infant, Primary or Junior school?

This section is aimed at parents with children, who in September 2009:

• will start school for the first time in Infant/Primary school
• will move up to Junior school

How do I apply?

You can save time by using the Online Application System (opens in a new window)

Alternatively, you can contact your local school, or the Admissions Team, to obtain a Primary Admissions Guide or click on the links below:

Admissions Team
Sanford House
Sanford Street,
Swindon
SN1 1QH.

Telephone (01793) 445500

This information is intended to help parents make an informed decision about which school they wish their child to attend and how to apply for a place.

We try to make sure that as many pupils as possible are offered a place at one of their preferred schools. At all stages of the process the Admissions Team will do everything they can to provide you with further information and support.

You must make sure that we receive your application by the 14^th November 2008.

Before making an application we ask that parents and carers carefully read our Primary Admissions Guide, which is attached below:

Primary Admissions Guide

Primary Admissions Form

Churchfields Cluster Map
Commonweal Cluster Map
Dorcan Cluster Map
Highworth Cluster Map
Kingsdown Cluster Map
Nova Hreod/Isambard Cluster Map
Ridgeway Cluster Map
West Swindon Cluster Map

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School Food Advert

Frequently Asked Questions

When should my child start school?

Your child must be in school the term following their fifth birthday. This is unless you decide to educate them at home.

If your child was born between;

1st September 2004 and 31st August 2005 they can start primary or infant school in September 2009.

1st September 2001 and 31st August 2002 they can start junior school in September 2009.

When should I apply?

You can apply for a place for September 2009 by using the online system. Paper applications within the Primary Admissions Guide are also available from your local primary school or from the Admissions Team. It is your responsibility to make sure you get a form and send it back to us. Remember - the closing date for applications is 14^th November 2008.

Will my child be accepted for a place at my preferred school?

This will depend upon the number of applications and the number of places available. Priority for places will be determined by the admission criteria for the school in question.

What are the criteria?

The admission policy for all Community, Voluntary-Controlled and Voluntary Aided schools can be found in the Primary Admissions Guide.

Some schools have different criteria and you should check these carefully before applying to assess your chances.

Can I apply for a school place in another Local Authority?

You should apply to the Local Authority where the school lies, rather than where you live. If you live in Swindon but wish to apply to a school in Wiltshire, you should contact Wiltshire County Council, see: www.wiltshire.gov.uk to obtain an application form.

What else should I look at before deciding?

You could read the Primary Admissions Guide. This contains more detailed information on what to think about before making your application and provides you with information that may help you.

What happens if my application is late?

We will try to give you a school that you named on the application form but the schools may well be full. If this is the case we will give you the nearest school that has places available and tell you about the appeal process.

When do I find out which school my child has got a place at?

All parents are notified on the 13^th February 2009.

What if I do not want to take up the place offered?

You should contact your Admissions Office by email, letter or phone as soon as possible. You should let us know as that place could be offered to another pupil from the waiting list.

How can I appeal?

If we do not offer your child a place at one of your preferred schools you appeal to an independent appeal panel.  An application form for appeal can be sent to you, please contact the Admissions Team.