Primary school application deadline nearing

The closing date for primary school applications in Kent and Medway is now fast approaching.

Families needing to apply for either a primary, infant or junior place at a Kent or Medway school have until Monday, January 16.

Kent County Council says last year there were 500 late applications submitted to the authority so parents and carers with forms still to complete are being urged to do so as soon as possible.

Roger Gough, KCC cabinet member for education, said: “The best way to apply is online. 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 an infant school to junior school.

Families can apply for up to three schools, putting them 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. Families should put their schools in a genuine order of preference.

Schools do not know whether they have been named as first, second or third preference, but will make their offers in accordance with their subscription and oversubscription criteria.

Families will find out on April 18 which school their child or children have been allocated either via email or by post which will be sent on the same day.

To apply online visit www.kent.gov.uk/ola