Applications for school places open next week

Applications for children born between September 1 2012 and August 31 2013 will open on Monday.

Applying online is the easiest method, by visiting the school admissions section of the county council’s website at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/admissions before midnight on January 15 2017.

Applying online is quicker and allows parents to make changes to their application at any point up to the closing date. Anyone who applies online also receives an email to confirm their application has been received.

Parents who do not have access to the internet can call 01629 533190 every weekday from 8am to 8pm, of on Saturdays from 9.30am to 4pm, and a member of staff will complete the application on their behalf.

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. Although parents have a legal right to express preferences, they have no automatic right to a place at any particular school.

Derbyshire County Council’s deputy cabinet member for children’s services councillor, Caitlin Bisknell, said: “Choosing the right school for your child is a very important decision so we’re asking parents to think carefully about their choice and to apply before the deadline for the best chance of getting in at the school they want.

“It’s quick and easy to apply – especially online and we’re here to offer help and support throughout.”

Parents who fail to meet the deadline may find that the school they want their child to go to is full.