Registering for a place at primary school?

[CupcakesHay]

Hi

I'm currently abroad as DH works for Foreign Office, expecting first child in Jan 2011.

We're due to return to UK in Sept 2012 (so DC will be about 18 months old.) When do I need to start thinking about putting DC's name down for a primary school place???

Thanks
Hayley

If you are intending to send your child to a state school you can't put your child's name down for a place. You can apply in the autumn of 2014 for a place in Reception for September 2015. The exact dates depend on the local authority.

If you are thinking of going private it is another matter and you need to talk to your preferred schools as soon as possible.

Children go to Nursery in the year they turn 4, and Reception (the first year of Primary school) in the year they turn 5. You have to apply separately to Nursery and Reception (directly to the nursery, but through the LEA for Reception).

State Primary school admissions usually close sometime in the October-January preceding the September you want to start, so in your case October 2014-January 2015. It's best to check with the relevant Local Education Authority (LEA).

The biggest entry criteria is usually how close you are to the school, so definitely worth looking at where you will live and the schools in the area when deciding where to move to.

I don't know much about private schools, but as far as I know with our nearest one, people put their names down straight away and then it seems to operate on a list system.

Oooh - no not planning to go Private - can't afford it.

Thanks - makes me feel a bit better- and no panicking quite yet then!

You will apply for Nursery (for age 3-4) October 2013-January 2014.

In a way the biggest hurdle is living in the catchment area of a good school. If you can move to such an area it might save you lots of bother later on.