Primary school applications 101

[AndImFeelingSoBohemianLikeYou]

I could do with some help please. I'm not from the UK, so have no idea how schools work in this country. My DD is 3yo, so will be starting school in Sept 2013. That much I know.

I also know from seeing a notice at nursery that the applications process starts this September. When do people usually go to look at the schools they're interested in? Have I missed the boat as summer hols will be starting soon?!

I don't want DD to go to the catchment school as I don't have a great impression of the children I see playing in the park in their uniforms in the afternoons. What are DD's chances of getting into a school which is within walking distance, but different catchment area?

Does everyone submit application forms on the first day possible?

How does it all work? I'm a bit worried that DD will end up in a rubbish primary school and be bullied and have a rubbish life because I haven't done anything yet. Nursery referred to her as a 'gentle soul', though she is definitely not a wimp, quite boisterous at home/groups, and I'm worried she'll be walked all over.

You have asked lots of different questions. No, you're not too late to look at schools. Many offer open days in the autumn. Try to find out how full/oversubscribed the school you prefer is. If it's always full, if it's a popular school, if it's oversubscribed you have less chance of getting your child into it, because (a) it's already full and (b) you're supposed to send your child to the school local to you.

If you're absolutely set on another school somewhere near, but not local, you could always move house to live next to the school that you like before applications for school places are due in (around November, I think.)

As for your daughter getting bullied/walked over, if you haven't any specific reasons for thinking this, apart from you've seen some children playing in the park and they looked a bit wild, playing in the park isn't the same as being in school, or at least it shouldn't be. I would watch the children playing in the school yard first, and then visit the school and speak to its teachers. Their responses should give you some idea if your concerns are valid. But, don't worry. You've got plenty of time yet.

Firstly a disclaimer that I live in Wales so may be different in parts to England, but think fairly similar.

1. Applications for the schools will start in September, but there will be a cut off date on the packs that will be very clear. Any applications before that date are treated equally.
2. Just because you get into a nursery it DOES NOT guarantee entry into the attached school. Entry to the school will still depend on their own selection criteria which is generally distance from the school, but for some faith schools may also mean attending a specific place of worship on a regular basis.
3. Go and visit all the schools (probably next term now, but you may be ok this term, just have to dodge sports days etc). Don't just rely on OFSTED reports to give an idea if your child fits into a school. Some schools will hold open evenings/days rather than doing individual visits, depending on how popular/large the area is. Our school only takes 15 pupils and is happy for individual visits, however schools with a 4 form entry so 120pupils may not want that much disruption.
4. You can choose a number of schools on your application form (not sure if this varies by area, as we choose 3 -small rural area, but sure some people in London get 6). Ranked by preference, but you aren't guaranteed any schools on your list. The LA looks at all applications for each school and the distance each applicant lives from each school (along with any other info, faith, special needs etc) and then assigns places. Depending on how popular schools in your area are depends if you will get into schools out of catchment.

Look at your local council website under school admissions. There will be lots of info there including key dates. They often have a dsitance calculator tool as well,.

The cut off date for all LAs in England is January 15th. It makes no difference when you apply as long as you don't miss the deadline. You don't get any priority for applying early.

You will definitely be allowed to name up to 3 schools as preferences. Some LAs allow you to name more. Use all your preferences and include at least one school where you have a good chance of getting a place. If you miss out on your preferences you will be allocated a place at the nearest school with places available. That will be an unpopular school and may be a long way away.

Some people think that they will increase their chances of getting a place at their preferred school by naming it as their only preference. They are wrong.

Look carefully at the admission criteria for each school. That is what will be used to work out who gets a place if there are more applications than places. You should be able to figure out how likely it is that you will get a place.

If the school has a category for special medical/social needs or similar and you think your child may qualify for this category make sure you submit your evidence with your application. Every year there are parents who don't do this because they didn't think they would need to who then find they miss out on their preferred school.

Thanks all, that's lots of helpful information!

Good to know we've got until January to look at schools, phew. I didn't want to apply blindly.

Good point about park being a different environment from school.

It's scary though, isn't it? Or is it just me? Can't afford to move to where the really good school is, but have a small chance of getting into the almost-as-good school, as far as I can tell.