Bristol parents must get school applications in now

The deadline for primary school applications is approaching and Bristol City Council is urging parents and carers to get applications in.

Children born between 01 September 2006 and 31 August 2007, can start primary school in September 2011.

The deadline for applications is 15 January, with applicants standing a better chance of getting a  place at their preferred school.

In the last three years, Bristol has seen a 15 per cent rise in the number of children starting reception classes.

Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Clare Campion-Smith personally guarantees that every family applying for a school place will be offered one as long as they get their application in on time.

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.”

By law, all on-time applications must be considered before late ones.

Parents can apply for a school place at: www.bristol.gov.uk/schooladmissions
 
The system will check applications for errors and send and email confirmation to the parent.

Paper applications are also available from schools.

Letters offering parents a place at a Bristol primary school will be sent out by first class post on  Tuesday 26 April.