Procedure for applying for a school place?

[MandyD]

It seems that all the schools I'd like my son to go to require you to apply on the child's third birthday, which will be March 16th. Does anyone know whether I should visit all the schools between now and March, then rush back to all the schools on the 16th to put the application forms in? I don't want him to miss out on any place due to me messing up the timing of the application!

I'd phone up each school and ask them directly. Schools do have different policies on parent visits.

Some will let you visit at the drop of a hat, having a very open door policy. Others organise a more formal visit slot for groups of parents throughout the school year - that doesn't necessarily mean you can't put in an applications form before you visit, though. Just ask.

Still others won't let you see the school unless your child has already been offered a place. I think this is rare, but it happened with one school my son went to. Oversubscribed and with a good reputation, I suppose the headmaster took it as read that any parent offered a place would want it. It was unnecessary to visit before deciding to apply.

Hope this helps. Good luck with the phoning round.