Parents across the Burnham-On-Sea area whose children need school places next September are being urged to get online and apply before the January deadline.
The last day for applications for primary admissions is 15th January, 2019 – this includes children starting school for the first time or moving from Infant to Junior and First to Middle schools in September 2019.
Applications should be made through the Somerset County Council’s website. As well as linking to an online application form, the www.somerset.gov.uk/admissions webpage holds a wealth of related information including a directory of schools, catchment areas and school admissions policy. Confirmation of places will be sent by email on 16 April.
Paper application forms can be requested by calling Somerset Direct on 0300 123 2224 or downloaded from the website. Please note, anyone using paper application forms will receive their confirmation of places by post which will arrive several days later than the emails sent to those who have applied online.
Although ‘reminder’ texts and letters will be sent to parents on the Council’s database who have not yet applied, the responsibility for getting applications in on time lies with parents and guardians.
Councillor Frances Nicholson, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: “We do our very best to meet parents’ preferences when it comes to school places and it’s very important that we get their applications in before the deadline.
“If they don’t they risk missing out on a place they would like and it’s always best to include their local school as one of the preferences, too.
“The run up to Christmas is a busy time but I would encourage parents and guardians to find the time to start looking at what is involved now.”
Infant and First schools have been reminded of the application deadline and asked to send information to parents in school newsletters.
Of the 5,665 children starting school in 2018, 93.8 per cent of received their first choice primary school, a slight increase on previous years. 98.4 per cent of children were given one of their top three choices.
