Apply Now for School in 2009
| Published: 4th September 2008 19:19 |
Schools may only have just started back after the summer break - but many carers and parents in Hitchin and the surrounding villages are already planning ahead for school places in 2009.
If your child starts primary school or moves on to secondary school next year you need to apply for a school place in good time.
The process for moving on to secondary school opened at midnight on Monday September 1 and the deadline for completed applications is 24 October 2008. The primary school process opened 24 hours later and runs until 16 October 2008.
Most parents find that applying online is quick, easy and secure. Last year 87 per cent of parents and carers logged on to the Herts Direct website (see below for link) to complete their application forms.
Before making an application, either online or on paper, parents and carers are strongly advised to visit schools and attend the secondary information evenings to help them make their preferences. The admissions pages on the Herts Direct website contain all the information people need to apply for a school place and advice on where to to find extra help, as well as answers to commonly asked questions.
Keith Emsall, Executive Member for Education and Culture, said: "Starting school or moving on to secondary school are important steps for children. We recognise this is one of the most important services we provide and aim to make the system fair and transparent.
"Because many schools receive more applications than they have places, we have to have admission rules to determine which children get places at which schools. But we do have a good track record in Hertfordshire and last year 93.38 per cent of children were allocated one of their three ranked secondary schools and 94.76 per cent one of their three ranked primary schools."
This year the county council's admissions team will handle more than 21,000 applications for school places. The Moving On booklets will be issued to families through their primary schools.
Parents are also advised to check the county council's website in case there have been any changes to the admission rules since the booklets were printed.
Primary school parents will receive a Starting School leaflet. They will be able to view the full booklet online but can also apply for a paper version.
To apply online and for admission information log on to the Herts Direct website or telephone the customer service centre on 01438 737500.
Parents or carers who feel they might need extra support with their school applications, for example those who do not have English as a first language or anyone who struggles with reading, can contact the Parents Partnership Service for advice(01992 555034).
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