15 things parents who are applying for a primary school place know
Who knew applying for a primary school place was so complicated … or so competitive. With applications for a Reception place in primary schools in England now open, chances are you’re starting to feel *slightly* stressed.
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OK, make that very stressed. From admission criteria to catchment areas, there’s just so much to think about. And that’s before you’ve even thought about your child’s actual first day at school. Sob.
Here’s a lighthearted look at the 15 things parents who are applying for a primary school place know. Any you recognise?
1 You've only just realised primary school applications are already open
Yep, chances are you're reading this ... and then freaking out as you suddenly realise the school applications are ALREADY OPEN.
Deep breaths – you have until 15 January (this Saturday) to apply for a spot in a school in England.
You better start finding out as much information as you can about the schools you want to apply for and their admissions procedures (cue frantic school website Googling, and looking up Ofsted inspection reports).
The gov.uk website has advice on what to look for when choosing a school which might help.
2 Catchment areas become your new obsession
Lots of schools have catchment areas (the set distance from the child’s permanent home address to the school). Which means the moment you start applying for your child’s place in Reception, it’s all you can think about. How big is it? And more importantly, are you in it?
Aagh, if only you’d thought more about schools when you first bought your home.
(NOTE: If you are worried, call the school which may be able to send you a list of roads that fall within their catchment.)
3 There is one school you REALLY don’t like
Maybe it’s got a bad reputation, rubbish facilities or a horrible headteacher.
Whatever the reason, there is always one primary school you absolutely do not want your child to go to.
And you won’t stop worrying about it until you get the confirmation of your primary school place on National Offer Day.
Fingers crossed.
4 The admission criteria is beyond complicated
Whether your child has a sibling at the school, the distance between your home and the school, and if you go to church – the admission criteria for some schools is sooooo confusing.
Can you just tick a box and get a place please?
5 You can't believe how tiny primary schools are
When you were little, your primary school seemed enormous. But – if you were lucky enough to go into school this year – looking round as an adult, all you can see are tiny tables and chairs.
And you have a little cry at the thought of your child starting school next year.
(Don’t worry – every parent cries at least once in the school application process.)
6 You have to take a week’s worth of holiday to go to all the school open days
Picking a primary school is definitely not a quick process. Or one that fits in with your job.
Instead, you have to take at least five mornings off to visit all the different schools and even if they haven't been open to parents, you've had to find time for zoom presentations, paperwork, reading the 'rules'.
Yikes, if it’s this hard to fit open mornings in your daily schedule, what on earth are school drop offs and pick ups going to be like?
7 You become fixated on wanting to walk to school
You’ve heard horror stories about the school run. And so you're determined to get into a school that you can walk to.
Never mind if it’s actually the best school. Or the fact that on rainy/ snowy / cold / late days, you’re bound to jump in the car to drop your child at the school gates, even if it's just down the road.
Find the best school for your child!
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8 You find a school you LOVE
... then check last year's admissions by distance (you can find out how places were allocated in previous years) and realise you have no chance of getting in. Ugh.
9 You wonder if there's time to move house
If you were just half a mile nearer the school you just KNOW you'd get in.
Hmmmm, time to convince your partner to put the house on the market...
10 You’re in a flap about whether to fill in all the school options spaces
You know the school you want to list as your first choice, so is it really worth adding more schools as other choices?
But then you hear the story of the mum who didn’t fill in all the options and then was given a primary school miles from where she lived.
Eek, better visit even more schools then.
If you have questions about the process, call your local authority’s education department
11 You realise none of your child's friends will be going to the same school
You child loves his nursery friends. But given they all live on the other side of town, you’ve just realised there is no way he’ll be going to school with them.
And you have no idea how you’re going to break the news to him. Hmmm, wonder if a new toy would distract him?
12 You freak out about supporting documents
Okay, so you’ve picked the schools you want, logged on to apply, and now there’s something about providing supporting documents.
Whaaaaaat?
Yep, more forms – this is usually required if it's a faith school you're applying for, for example.
Honestly, who knew applying for a Reception place at primary school was SO complicated.
13 You wonder if writing a personal note will increase your chances of getting in
Hmmm, what should you write in the little box asking if you have any extra information?
Would a begging note about how much you love the school help your child get in?
Sadly not. But it’s got to be worth a try, right?
14 You don’t feel ready
In your mind, it feels like only yesterday that you were holding your baby for the first time. Fast forward four years and you’re suddenly thinking about Reception places.
Somebody stop the clock please – you are absolutely NOT READY for your child to start school.
15 You have sleepless nights over which order to list your school choices
Applying for a Reception place brings a whole new level of anxiety … as if you needed any more.
And deciding in which order to list the schools is one of the biggest stresses.
Will the school know you’ve put them second or third? And will that mean you're less likely to get a place?
Sigh, as soon as the application is in you can stop stressing. Can’t you? You know you won't until April next year when you find out whether your child has a place.
Good luck!
Starting School by Allan and Janet Ahlberg is an entertaining and informative picture book to share with your child and help get them ready for joining reception. See more details here at Amazon.
It's also available here at Waterstones.
Confused about the application process? Unsure what school to pick? Looking for local recommendations? Join the chat thread below to get advice from other parents...
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