Parents in Essex encouraged to apply for their children’s primary school places

Children are entitled to start school in the September after their fourth birthday and applications can now be made for children starting reception from September 2017.

Parents and carers of children born during the period 1 September 2012 and 31 August 2013 must apply between 14 November 2016 and 15 January 2017.

Late applications, submitted after the deadline on 15 January, will only be considered once all on-time applications have been determined.

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

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

Cllr Ray Gooding, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, said: “Starting school for the first time is an important milestone in a child’s life and we understand that applying for their place can be a difficult decision for parents to make.

“I would encourage people to consider admissions criteria carefully, use all of their preferences and make use of the information available on the website.

“It is vital that applications are submitted on time to ensure parents have the best chance of being considered for a school they want.”