Sheffield parents urged to apply for child's school amid increased pressure on places

With a tight squeeze on places due to a rising population, Sheffield Council is reminding parents that it is more important than ever that parents and carers get their applications in.

Parents are being encouraged to make sure they fill in all three preferences in order to keep their options open.

Coun Jackie Drayton, cabinet member for children, young people and families, said: “With birth rates rising we are seeing an increase pressure on school places.

“All families deserve great schools close to where they live. I would encourage all parents and carers to fill in their application form for a school place as soon as possible and most importantly fill in all preferences."

A council spokesman added: "Parents are entitled to express up to three preferences but some parents choose not to.

"Putting down three preferences does not dilute the chance of parents getting their preferred option, but does provide alternatives should this school be oversubscribed."

Families are also encouraged to name their catchment school as one of their preferences as places cannot be reserved for catchment pupils where a positive preference for this school has not been expressed.

The closing date for transfer to secondary is October 31 but the online site is only open until October 21. Parents will find out the outcomes of their secondary school application on March 1, 2017.

Families of primary school age children entering reception for the first time, or whose child is in Year Two at a separate infant school, have also begun to receive letters inviting them to apply for schools. Again, the same rules apply in order to secure a preferred place.

For entrance into reception and junior schools, the online site is open until December 5, but paper applications and telephone applications will be accepted up to January 16. The allocation date for this round is April 18 2017.

Families who need assistance can call 0114 273 5790.