Essex County Council encouraging families to apply for primary school places

Children are entitled to start school in the September after their fourth birthday.

Parents of children born during the period 1 September 2012 and 31 August 2013 must therefore apply for their reception places by Sunday, 15 January 2017.

Applications submitted after the deadline will only be considered after all on-time applications and Essex County Council is encouraging families to give themselves the best chance of being considered for a school they want by getting them in on time.

Cllr Ray Gooding, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, said: “A number of parents will have already made their applications for their children’s primary school places but there will inevitably be some who have yet to do so.

“I would encourage all families to take the time to submit their applications before the deadline on 15 January to give themselves the best possible chance of being considered for a school they want.

“Starting school for the first time is an important stage in a child’s life and it is vital applications are received on time to try and avoid any disappointment.”

Applications can be made online at essex.gov.uk/admissions.

Parents are also encouraged to use all four of their preferences and use the website to search for school information and check admissions criteria.