Opening date for school applications soon to arrive

It is vital that applications are made before the closing date of January 15.

The easiest way to apply for a school place for September 2015 is to visit www.hertsdirect.org/admissions and complete the online application form. Last year 99 per cent of parents applied online.

Online applications can be amended at any time up to the closing date and the school offer can be viewed and accepted online before allocation letters are received.

The interactive version of the ‘Under 11s’ booklet available at www.hertsdirect.org/admissions provides all the information you will need about the primary, junior or middle transfer process and advice on where to find extra help.

Leaflets explaining how to apply will be distributed to families at the beginning of November. They will be posted directly to families of 2015 reception-aged children and distributed by schools to children in Year 2 in infant schools and Year 4 in first schools.

Before making an application, parents and carers are strongly advised to visit schools to help make their preferences. Parents should contact schools directly to find out more about open times and visits.

The council says that last year 95 per cent of applicants got a place at one of their four ‘preferred’ schools.