This time last year, the Daily Telegraph described it thus: 'stress, anxiety, mayhem: it must be (primary school Reception places) offers day.' This Thursday (if you applied online, otherwise expect a letter in the post a day or two later), thousands of parents will receive notification of where their children will attend school - Reception intake - in the new academic year starting in September 2015.
As those of you who've been thro' the process will know, applying for any school place these days can seem a bit of a lottery. Increasingly so since the the onset of the 'Noughties' 'baby boom' (which still shows no sign of slowing down) placed increased pressure on school places, and with some parents (where demand outstrips 'supply' of places at the most sought-after schools) resorting to subterfuge to ensure their child(ren) gets a place at their preferred choice school.
Many Councils (particularly within London and other major UK cities) have made great strides in their arrangements to meet this additional demand. 'Bulge classes' are now commonplace, with many four year olds entering Reception in a year group of some 60 - 90 pupils. Indeed, many of Merton's primaries are two if not three-form entry at Reception entry point.
Information on what to do next can be found in Merton Council's Starting Primary School 2015 prospectus (page 29 onwards).
We've started this thread to give you, local parents, the chance to share your news and views about the process of applying, the lowdown on local schools, your outcomes on Thursday, changes you've witnessed over the years and elsewhere etc...
In the meantime, good luck!