Primary school applications open

Parents are being urged by Councillor Martin to apply before the admissions deadline to maximise their chances of getting their first choice school

Parents of children who are due to start primary school in September 2018 can apply for their child’s first school place from Monday 2 October.

Children born between September 1 2013 and August 31 2014 are due to start school in September 2018. Applying for a primary school place can be done via the council’s online application system:

rochdale.gov.uk/schooladmissions

A smartphone, PC or tablet can be used and the system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Changes can be made to applications until the deadline and progress can be tracked.

Applicants should be aware that: 

• Selecting only one school does not guarantee a place.
• Applications with only one school selected may be allocated places at other schools selected by the council.
• Late applications are less likely to be granted.

Schools Admissions staff at Number One Riverside in Rochdale town centre are also holding drop-in sessions to help people with the application should they need it or to set up an email address for those who do not yet have one.

Councillor Donna Martin, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “Primary school applications are a hugely exciting moment in a child’s development.

"I would really encourage people to use all four preference options, putting one preference will not guarantee a place.

"Our admissions staff are really helpful and our online application system could not be simpler or easier for you to use.

"It is vital that you get your application in by the deadline of January 15 2018. ”

Secondary school admissions have been open since Friday 1 September and will close on 31 October.