Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Apply now for secondary school next year!
Wiltshire families with children starting school or moving up to secondary can now apply for entry in September 2023. Wiltshire Council accepts applications online with Mon 31 Oct as the national deadline for secondary schools and Sun 15 Jan for primaries. According to the council, parents and carers can apply after these dates but are less likely to secure a place for their child at their preferred school.
Paper submissions are still accepted: application forms available from Wiltshire Council’s Customer Service Team.
Responses to school applications sent before the national deadline will be sent on National Offer Day, Wed 1 Mar for secondary schools and Mon 17 Apr for primaries.
Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Children, Education, and Skills, Laura Mayes says “This is a key moment for families, and this isn’t a first come first served process, so I would encourage them to take time to think carefully about the preferences they put down.”
Ten council tips and requirements to make school application easier:
- Apply online.
- The person applying for the child must hold parental responsibility.
- You can apply for up to three schools - put these in your order of preference.
- Naming additional preferences does not reduce your chance of a place for your child at your first preference school. Repeating the same school as your second and third preferences is a waste of your options.
- If you live in Wiltshire and want to apply to a school outside the county, you still have to apply through the council.
- If you don’t live in Wiltshire and want to apply for a school in the county, you must apply through your local council. The only exception is for children of UK service personnel.
- To find out more about the schools you are looking at, contact each school directly.
- Although the council doesn’t guarantee an offer to the designated school in your area, it recommends that you name your designated school a preference.
- Late applications are less likely to secure a place at a preferred school.
- The designated school for your home address is on Wiltshire Council’s website.
Wiltshire Council - www.wiltshire.gov.uk
