Primary school admissions now open

Applications for children who were born between 1 September 2014 and 31 August 2015 are now open and will close at midnight on Tuesday 15 January 2019.

Councillor Alex Dale, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Young People said: “The time has come for parents to apply for their child’s infant, junior or primary school places for September next year.”

“Choosing the right school is an important decision in a child’s life so we’re urging parents to consider all of their options early on and apply before the deadline on Tuesday 15 January.”

“If you miss the deadline you are less likely to get a place for your child at your preferred school and that could mean you having to travel further or your child not getting in to the same school as their friends.”

Applying online is quicker and allows parents to make changes to their application at any point up to the closing date. Anyone who applies online will receive an email to confirm their application has been received.

When completing the application form, parents will be asked to list, in order of preference, the three schools they would most like their child to go to. Although parents have a legal right to express preferences they have no automatic right to a place at any particular school.

Parents can still choose to complete a paper form. All applications must be returned to the address shown on the form by the closing date.

Applications submitted to Derbyshire County Council after the deadline will not be considered until places have been allocated to those children whose parents did return their form on time.

Councillor Dale added: “It’s quick and easy to apply – especially online and we’re here to help you throughout the application process.”

Any parents who are a refused a place for their child have a right of appeal to an independent panel.