Birmingham parents are being warned to ‘act now’ to avoid heartache later. The applications for primary school admissions close tomorrow (Wednesday January 15).
Applications need to be completed online before midnight and families are advised to ensure they select three preferences. Anyone wishing to make any changes to their child’s application form can only do so until midnight on Wednesday January 15.
If you’ve made any changes, be sure to remember to resubmit your form now. The council says that the responsibility lies solely with parents and carers and that it is vital that forms are filled in correctly.
Birmingham City Council education bosses have warned that parents should ‘make a realistic application’ and that anyone who misses the deadline ‘will be considered as late’. Those that are late are ‘less likely’ to get their chosen place.
Read more: The three questions all parents should ask when choosing child’s school according to a headteacher
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A Birmingham City Council spokesman said: “It’s very important that you apply for your child’s reception class school place online before the deadline on January 15, 2025. Before applying, look at school websites, find out if they are holding virtual open sessions and if you need to fill out an extra form.
“Look at the school admission arrangements to see how realistic it is that your child would be offered a place there. We recommend that you use all three preferences. Check the email confirmation after you submit your application. Applications submitted after the 15 January 2025 will be classed as late. Late applications are less likely to be offered a place at any of their preferred schools.”
Children are expected to start school after their fourth birthday in Birmingham so if your child was born between September 1, 2020 and August 31, 2021, they will be able to start primary school in September 2025.
Adam Ames is headteacher at Pegasus Primary in Castle Vale and has lots of advice on how to make sure you choose the right school for your family. He shared his top tips on the Brummie Mummies Podcast where he talked about Ofsted reports, trusting your gut instinct and what to do if you don’t get your first choice school. Listen to Adam’s advice on the Brummie Mummies Podcast here:
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It is best to read the individual admission arrangements for the primary schools you’re interested in to see how likely it is that your child will be offered a place there. You can find all the Birmingham primary school admission arrangements for 2024 here and make your online primary school application via the Birmingham City Council website.
This includes checking each school’s cut-off distance to see if you live in an area that the school can accommodate. It’s important not to assume it will be the same as it was for your neighbours and friends in previous years as it changes annually based on demand.
Remember to list up to three schools, include details of any siblings already at the school and be accurate with your information. Attendance at a nursery class doesn’t give your child automatic priority for a school place. Do not wait for your child to turn five as your preferred school may already be full by this time.
Preferences can be amended up until midnight on January 15 but you must make sure you re-submit your form if you make any changes. Otherwise, your application will not be processed.