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 2005 and 31st August 2006 they can start primary or infant school in September 2010.

1st September 2002 and 31st August 2003 they can start junior school in September 2010.

When should I apply?

You can apply for a place for September 2010 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 obtain a form and send it back to us. Remember - the closing date for applications is 6 November 2009

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 Coordinated Admissions Arrangements for 2010-2011 or in the Primary Admissions Guide for 2010-2011, which will be available soon.

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 should contact the Admissions Team for guidance or 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.

What should I do if I have missed the deadline?

You should apply for a place as soon as you can. If you have missed the deadline you will have to apply using a hard copy application form which will be available on this website soon for you to print off, or you could contact the School Admissions Team for a form. Your application form will be considered as a late application.

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

All parents are notified by letter. These will be sent out on the 12th February 2010

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 can appeal to an independent appeal panel. An application form for appeal can be sent to you, please contact the Admissions Team.