How To Apply

When is my child due to join Reception?

All pupils will start school in September, there is no longer two intakes.

When can my child first start school?

Children are offered admission at the beginning of the Autumn Term following their fourth birthday. Under the School Standards and Framework Act 1998, children do not have to undertake full time education until the start of the term following their fifth birthday. If parents/carers wish to defer entry until later in that academic year or until the child is 5, they should discuss this with The Headteacher of the allocated school.

When should I apply for a reception class place for my child?

It is important that you apply for a school place no later than the 16th January, prior to the September they are due to start at school. You can apply online or can request an application form from the school admissions service. The Headteacher will tell you about the opportunities to visit the school. You must read the “Parents Guide to Primary School Admissions” booklet before you express a preference for a school.

Can I register my child at two different schools?

You should only complete one application form for admission to a primary school. This form will enable you to indicate 5 preferences. Local Authorities (LA’s) are required to co-ordinate primary admission for all maintained (non fee paying) schools.

Birmingham, Dudley, Sandwell, Staffordshire, Wolverhampton, Worcestershire (LA’s) and Education Walsall have agreed to co-ordinate applications for their schools.

If a school receives more applications than places available how will it decide which pupils to admit?

The admissions criteria for Community & Voluntary Controlled Primary Schools are detailed in the “Parents Guide to Primary School Admissions” booklet.

The admissions criteria for Foundation and Voluntary Aided Primary Schools may differ and you are advised to refer to the individual detail given in the “Parents Guide to Primary School Admissions” booklet.

The published criteria must be followed and there is no discretion over how the places are filled.

When will I hear whether or not my application has been successful?

Parents will be informed of the decision relating to their application in writing, posted 2nd class on 16th April, prior to the September their child is due to start school.

If you apply online you will receive notification by email on 16th April after 2:00pm.

What will happen if my application has been unsuccessful?

You will be provided with details of the appeals procedure and waiting lists. Where possible we will try to meet your other preferences of school, if that is not possible then you will be allocated a school place at the next nearest school with a place available.

What happens if I apply late for admission to Reception Class?

Unless there were exceptional circumstances, which stopped you from applying before the closing date, then your application will only be considered after those applicants that were received before the deadline. For further details please see the “Parents Guide to Primary School Admissions” booklet.

I am moving into the area and need a primary school place for my child, can you tell me what the procedure is?

Please note that the Council does not operate school catchment areas and parents are able to express a preference for any school that they prefer. The Council is unable to keep spaces available at its schools for pupils moving into the area. The authority does coordinate all admissions into primary school.

The “Parents Guide to Primary School Admissions” booklet contains the phone numbers and addresses of all primary schools in the Borough.

If you haven’t moved into the Dudley Borough you need to apply through your home Local Authority. For parents residing in the Dudley Borough please contact 01384 81 4223 to request an application form.

I have not moved address but I wish my child to transfer from one primary school to another, what is the procedure?

Parents who wish to transfer their son or daughter from one primary school to another should discuss their wishes with the headteachers of both schools concerned. Transfers can be arranged providing that they do not conflict with the provision of efficient education or efficient use of resources. If a transfer is refused, you will be advised of your right of appeal.

A form is available from the Admissions Service should you wish to apply for a mid-year transfer.

Who can I contact if I have other questions to ask?

If your questions relate to an individual school and its policies or arrangements for admitting pupils then please contact the school concerned direct. If your questions are of a more general nature then you can contact the Admissions Service on 01384 814223.