Deadline looming for school places

Monday 06 January 2014

Parents whose children are due to start primary school in September have just a few days left to register their top three choices.

Parents can choose schools in order of preference but their first choice might not be available if they apply after the deadline on 10 January.

If a school is oversubscribed, Education will give priority to children who meet one of the following requirements: those who have what's termed a 'Special Educational Need' and must go to a specific school; those who have siblings in the school (in classes from Reception to Year five); those who are living in the primary school catchment area; those who are living in the secondary school catchment area; those who have siblings in the school (in Year six); or those who have other requests supported by a good educational reason for attending a non-catchment school.

If a school is already full, Education will try to offer a place at the parents’ second choice.

Primary schools will write to parents in mid-January 2014 to offer places. If they no longer need the place, parents are asked to inform the school. They won't be offered a place in a States primary school if they accept a place in a fee-paying school.