Primary school application...

[elk4baby]

We live almost a mile and a half from the school where we'd like to go. So the chances of actually getting in are pretty slim....:(
I'm filling in the application form and, being new to this whole thing, I'm not sure what should I put in the 'Comments' box for the reasons we'd like to join the school next Sept (reception).

DS doesn't have official special needs, but English is a second language for him and he's still struggling a bit trying to juggle two different languages. From what I've been told, the school has a great tutoring program for children just like DS. He's great at swimming (10m at just 3yrs. old). The school that's linked to the one I'm describing has an active swimming club, which will give DS some continuity. And, most of the children I know (DS's friends) at his nursery will be going to this school. So, while it is a bit of a long walk for us, the school just seems a really good fit.

Is there anything I could put in this 'Comments' box that could sway the council's decision?

I don't think any of those will impact the school allocations.

None of those would make any odds. The decision is based on the published Admissions Criteria alone. If you came to appeal then you could bring up the EAL and swimming as reasons to admit but assuming they already have 30 per class it will only be relevant if a mistake has been made under the Admissions procedures in the first place.

Yes, you're right...
Silly old me thought I could do something about DS's chances.

What is the admission criteria-any relationship to languages, swimming or friends?

You need to look closely at the admission criteria, as the LEA have to stick to that when processing applications.

For our primary it is (i think)

Statemented children
Looked after children
Siblings
Distance from school

They have to apply these fairly and stringently - they can't just say that because so and so went to he nursery or has friends here or family close by, we will give him a place instead or before someone who lives closer to the school.

Some schools do have nursery attendance as a criteria, or social reasons, but these are usually well defined and clearly stated i their admissions criteria, to avoid confusion and pointless appeals.