Days left to apply for school places

The closing date for primary school applications is approaching fast.

Applications for primary, infant and junior places in Kent schools for next September closes on Monday, January 16.

Last year there were 500 late applications out of the 17,400 families needing a school place.

Families are being encouraged to apply as soon as possible for a primary school place for their children and not miss the deadline.

Roger Gough, KCC’s Cabinet member for education, said: “The best way to apply is online. 94% of all applications are now made that way and we really encourage parents to apply as soon as possible. If parents do not apply in time their child could miss out on a school place at their preferred school.

“We are also reminding parents they do still need to apply for a school place even if their child has older brothers or sisters already in school. Every year a number of people fail to register by the deadline because they believe they need not apply because they have a brother or sister already in school, but they do.”

Every child born between September 1 2012 and August 31 2013 needs to be registered for a school place, along with those who are moving from infant school to junior school.

Families can apply for up to three schools, in order of preference. Naming only one school does not guarantee a place at that school or give priority for a place over another child, nor does naming a school more than once.

Schools do not know whether they have been named as first, second or third preference, they will make their offers in accordance with their oversubscription criteria and KCC will always offer the highest available preference. Offers will be made in April. To apply online visit www.kent. gov.uk/ola