Applications for children beginning primary and secondary schools in September 2014 are now open - and Hammersmith and Fulham Council is asking parents to apply early and apply online.

The council says that though there are still some months until the cut-off dates for forms to be completed, the council says applications coming in sooner rather than later helps to make the process run more smoothly.

Cllr Georgie Cooney, cabinet member for education, says:
" We want every family in the borough to be happy and confident about their children’s education. I would urge parents to apply now, without delay, and read the advice on how to secure their top choice schools."

The council says the number of children living in the borough offered one of their top three choices for secondary school was 81%, compared to 78% the year before.

A total of 1,614 H&F residents applied for a place at a primary school in H&F last year, up by 116 on the year before, and 71.3% got into their first choice of school while 85.9% got one of their top three choices.

All secondary schools and 90% of primary schools are judged by Ofsted as ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’.

Completed forms for secondary schools must be returned to H&F admissions section by October 31, 2013, and for children entering primary schools, applications must be submitted by January 15, 2014.

If parents prefer, they can still fill in a paper version, available from all schools in H&F or the admissions team on 020 7745 6434 or email school.admissions@lbhf.gov.uk.

Parents whose children already attend a primary school in the borough can hand the secondary school application form in to their school by October 31.

There are a number of benefits for parents who fill in their application form online, not least that it is quick and easy. The e-admissions system is designed to help parents by guiding them through the process, ensuring they do not miss anything vital or make any mistakes.

The system is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, meaning parents can edit their application and change preferences right up to the closing date. Importantly, parents have the security of knowing that their application is valid and has been accepted - they receive an auto-receipt and reference number once they submit the completed application.

By applying online, parents can see which school they have been offered a day before postal applicants – on the evening of March 3, 2014, for secondary school pupils and on April 16, 2014, for primary places.

The admissions intake is coordinated on a London-wide basis, meaning H&F parents can apply for up to six state school places in any London borough, listed in order of preference, but they must apply using the application form provided by H&F Council.

Each of the schools' admissions criteria is different and many of the borough’s schools are oversubscribed and if a child is eligible for a place at more than one school, the order of preference on the form will determine the highest potential offer. It is therefore important that parents order their school choices carefully.

For further information on the admissions process visit Admissions or contact the schools admissions team on 020 7745 6434 (9am-5pm, Monday to Friday) or email: school.admissions@lbhf.gov.uk. 

 

September 10, 2013