Confused - when to apply?

[didyoumeantobesojumperude]

Hello, I'm wondering if you can help...

I have a 6 month old at the moment, when do I need to start thinking about schools and applying?

I've done quite a bit of research as to what is available in my area and I have a list of 3 that I'd like to apply for, 2 are faith schools (which we are not a member of) and the 3rd is not.

Reading their admissions policies, the 2 faith schools will accept non-faith children but they're at the bottom of the list, therefore is it the case that I can put our names down early to wait on the list or does everyone submit their applications at the same time?

If so, when is that?

I've checked the council website and all it advises on is how to apply, not when!

Thanks in advance.

For state schools? You apply the year before your child starts school - so assuming they were born last November they'd start September 2018 (I think) and you'd apply between September 2017 and January 2018.

For state schools you can only apply during the set period (in England, autumn term the year before entry, deadline mid January).

Waiting lists are ranked according to how well you fit the school's entrance criteria, not when you applied.

But you can probably start going to church now and be fine when you apply!

Thanks for responses.

We did try church but it just wasn't for us and I don't want to just start attending for the purposes of school...catholic guilt? Maybe I belong after all!

Hi didyou:

If your DC is at a nursery when they are 4 years of age, usually the nursery will give you information about applying for school places. Usually for primary (state sector) deadlines are around Christmas.

If you're really concerned - just check your local LEA website for more information on admissions.

If you're interested in a private school (independent sector) that is a different kettle of fish. (and I don't really know how that works as DDs are at state primaries).

However, with all things schooling, I have found asking friends or parents with children at the school has always been really helpful.

HTH

Assuming you are in England and your child was born after Sept 1, 2013, then he or she will go to school in September 2018 (the academic year sept-sept in which they turn 5, as he or she will be 5 a couple of months after starting school).

This means you will need to apply for a place the previous winter; at present, applications in England for primary open around November and all closed this year on 15 January. So you will need to apply in November 2017.

There isn't anything you can do right now. All applications are dealt with together in that timeframe, there is no advantage to being on a list early.
If you wanted a faith school you could attend church, but you say that's not relevant. What you might want to do is look at your local authority website to see which schools you actually stand a chance of getting into - they are likely to have max distances offered so you can get an idea. Of course a lot can change in 4.5 years though!

This is what I wish I had been told when ds was 6 months old.

Think about what schools you would like your child to go to. Look at the information online (or phone up) to find out whether your current location would put you in a good position for getting into that school. And if you are not, think about moving now!

Bear in mind that in our area, you have no chance of getting into a faith school if you are not going to church.

If it's state school then everyone applies the winter before they start in Sept - via local council. If you want a faith school then scrutinise their admissions policy. Many are full of church goers and siblings so you can rule them out if you are far down the criteria list. Work out how fat you arc away from each school and also go and visit in a couple of years and see which you like