Applications for primary places now open

APPLICATIONS for primary school places in Derbyshire are now open.

Applications for children who were born between September 1, 2016, and August 31, 2017, are now open and will close at midnight on Friday, January 15, 2021.

Parents can also apply during the same period for junior school places for children born between September 1, 2013, and August 31, 2014, who are currently in Year 2 at an infant school and will transfer on to other schools in September 2021.

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for young people Councillor Alex Dale said: “Choosing the right school is a big and important decision so we’re urging parents to consider all of their options early on and apply before the deadline.

“Parents who miss the deadline are less likely to get a place for their child at their preferred school, which could mean having to travel further or their child not getting into the same school as their friends.”

Applying online 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.

Visits and open days will not be taking place this year but parents are being encouraged to look at each school’s website for more information to help them with their decision.

Parents can apply online by visiting www.derbyshire.gov.uk/ education/schools/school-places/ apply-for-a-school-place.aspx or call 01629 533190 to apply between 8am and 8pm on weekdays and 9.30am and 4pm on Saturdays.

Parents unable to access the online or telephone application services should email the admissions and transport team at admissions.transport@derbyshire. gov.uk or call 01629 537499.