Bristol parents must get reception school applications in
Bristol parents are still being urged to get their application for school reception places in now.
Children born between 01 September 2006 and 31 August 2007, can start school in September 2011.
The deadline for applications has changed this year with the final date being 15 January 2011.
Admissions manager, Ian Bell says: “If your child is due to start school for the first time, you will have to apply for a school place. Parents are able to give three preferences for the schools they would like their child to attend. Last year we were able to offer the vast majority of families in Bristol a place at one of their preferred schools.
“It is very important that families remember to apply on time. By law, we must consider all on-time applications before late applications. Applications received by the deadline of 15 January stand a much better chance of getting a place at one of their preferred schools.”
Over the last three years, there has been a 15 per cent rise in the number of children starting primary school in Bristol and the fiasco of providing places for all of them has been well documented in local media.
Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Clare Campion-Smith, ‘guarantees’ that ‘every family applying for a school place for their child will be offered one.’
This guarantee does not include being allocated a place at one of the parents’ three chosen schools.
To apply for a reception place, visit your local school and ask for a paper application, or visit: www.bristol.gov.uk/schooladmissions
Parents looking for some guidance when choosing their place could turn to The Sunday Times Parent Power.
The searchable schools’ guide lists the top 2,000 state and independent schools in order of academic results.
In the South West region, Our Lady of the Rosary RC Primary School, Bristol came second, St Mary’s RC Primary School, Bradley Stoke came seventh and St Mary’s C of E VA Primary School, Thornbury came tenth.