Around half of parents and carers of children who will start school for the first time in September 2021 have now applied for a place for them – and the rest are encouraged to do so as soon as possible.

The deadline for applications for places for pupils who are due to start reception in 2021 is the 15 January, 2021, and parents are asked to submit theirs as a matter of urgency.

Councillor Dr Michael Hardacre, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “Parents or carers of children who are due to start in reception next autumn should set aside time now to think carefully about which school they would prefer their child to attend.
 
“This is one of the most important decisions you will make for your child’s future. The application process is straightforward and should only take a few minutes to complete.

“You should ensure you get your applications in by the deadline of 15 January, 2021, as applying after this time could have a detrimental effect on the chance of securing a place at one of your preferred schools.

“It’s important to remember that if your child is in nursery provision at either primary or junior school, you will still need to apply for a reception class place for them.”

To apply for a school place, parents should log on to School admissions and complete the short application process. Parents and guardians will be notified of their child’s allocated school place on 16 April, 2021.

Around 50% of parents have already completed their applications, but many have not started. In addition, a further 200 have begun their applications but have not yet submitted them.

Applying online has a range of benefits. Applications are made through a secure website and can be viewed and edited online up to the closing date of 15 January, 2021. Applicants will also be able to access their child's school place allocation online on 16 April, 2021 rather than having to wait for it to arrive in the post.