Applications

We can help you apply for your child's school place for the year 2010-11 at primary, junior and secondary schools in North Somerset.

Starting primary school
Children in North Somerset can begin school in the September following their fourth birthday.

If you wish your child to attend a reception class at a primary, infant or first school from September 2010 you should apply to us, even if you live in a different local authority area.

The following table tells you when your child can begin school:

You should read our Starting School in North Somerset 2010/11 guide which includes an application form.

Transferring to junior school
Parents of children in North Somerset's infant or first schools may apply for a place in a junior school for September 2010. You should read our Time to apply for a place at Junior School guide which includes an application form.

Transferring to secondary school
Parents or carers of year six children resident in North Somerset may apply for secondary school places for September 2010.

We operate a co-ordinated admission arrangement for secondary transfer with our neighbouring authorities.

This means that if you live in North Somerset you should always apply directly to North Somerset Council, even if the school you wish your child to attend is in another area or is a Voluntary Aided school, such as a church school.

You only need to complete one application form for all of your preferences and we will pass your application to the appropriate authority.

Likewise, if you live in a neighbouring local authority area and wish to apply for a place in a North Somerset school you should apply to your home local education authority who will pass your application on to us.

You should read our Transfer to Secondary School in North Somerset 20010/11 guide which includes an application form.

We do not operate a feeder school system in North Somerset.

The primary or junior school that your child attends has no bearing on your allocation of a secondary school place.

Making an application
Late applicants will not normally be considered until the first round of allocations has been completed.

You can apply for a place online through our North Somerset Online Admissions Service website or by completing the relevant application form which you can return by email, post, fax or in person to our School Admissions and Transport Team.

The application forms are in the relevant guides mentioned on this page. We can send out the guides mentioned on this page as paper copies for parents who prefer to make a paper application.

If you are refused a place
Unfortunately, not all schools are able to accept all children who would like to attend – usually because there is simply not enough room for all of them.

Our  School Admissions and Transport Team use oversubscription criteria to decide which children are accepted in these circumstances.

If you are unsuccessful in getting a place at your preferred school, we will write to explain what happens next.

If your child is not due to start or transfer school but you would like to change their school please see our changing schools section.

Please contact the  School Admissions and Transport Team if require
further information.