School Admissions FAQs

My child is about to start school next year. How do I apply?

You can apply for a place in the 2010-11 Reception year group online up to the closing time and date of 4.30pm on 23 October 2009. Please read our guide Starting School in North Somerset 2010-11 carefully before completing your application form on-line or return the completed form to us in the post. 

If you later change address or change your preferred schools we ask you confirm this in writing too. However, you cannot apply online after the closing time and date but you can still apply using a paper application form.

My child is due to transfer to a junior school next year. How do I apply?

You can apply for a place in the 2010-11 Junior Transfer group online up to the closing time and date of 4.30pm on 23 October 2009. Please read our Time to apply for a place at Junior School 2010-11 guide carefully before completing your application form on-line or return the completed form to us in the post. 

If you later change address or change your preferred schools we ask you confirm this in writing too. However, you cannot apply online after the closing time and date but you can still apply using a paper application form.

My child is due to transfer to a Secondary school next year. How do I apply?

You can apply for a place in the 2010-11 Secondary Transfer group online up to the closing time and date of 4.30pm on 23 October 2009.
Please read our Transfer to Secondary School in North Somerset 2010-11 guide carefully before completing your application form on-line or return the completed form to us in the post. 

I am a grandparent, step-parent or foster carer. Am I the correct person to complete the application form?

Applications are normally made by a person with parental responsibility for a child. If you are applying for a school place for a child for whom you do not have parental responsibility, for example, if you are a foster carer, you will need to attach a letter to your application form explaining why you are applying.

My child is known by a different surname. Can I apply using a chosen name?

When you apply for a school place you must use your child's legal name as it appears on their birth certificate unless the name has been legally changed.

When parents don't live together but continue to share the care of a child who should apply?

Where parental responsibility is shared between parents who do not live at the same address we will usually ask parents to decide who should apply. For further information on who should apply or for what happens when you cannot resolve the situation yourselves please read the relevant guide for parents on this website. If you are unsure whether you are the appropriate person to apply for a school place please contact our School Admissions and Transport Team for advice.

Do I need to tell you if I am planning to move home during the application process?

Yes, you must let us know if you move and provide proof of your new address. Your allocated school place may be withdrawn if you do not.

If I change my mind about the schools I wish to apply for can I update my application form with my new preferences?

You may change your preferences either on-line or in writing up to the closing time and date for applications.

If you wish to change your preferences after the closing time and date for applications you may do so but we will usually consider your request in the next round of allocations.

Unless exceptional circumstances apply many people prefer to wait until they receive an offer and inform us of their new preference at that time.

I don't understand the documents you have sent me or my situation is very complicated. Can I talk to someone face-to-face?

Yes. Please contact our School Admissions and Transport Team to arrange an appointment. You may also telephone to discuss your case during office hours. However, we will not be able to discuss cases over the telephone with anyone other than the applicant.