Deadline fast approaching to secure secondary school places

Councillor Kieran Heakin, cabinet member for children's services

Parents of children across the borough who are due to start secondary school in September 2019 only have a few days left to apply for their child’s school place as applications close on Wednesday 31 October.

Thousands of applications have already come in via the council’s quick and easy secure online application, but time is running out so parents who still need to apply must do so soon at

• www.rochdale.gov.uk/schooladmissions

The easy-to-use online system means applications can be made using PCs, smartphones or tablets 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Changes to applications can be made until the deadline closes.

Library staff throughout the borough can also help people with applications should they need it or assist in setting up email addresses for those who don’t yet have one.  Alternatively, applicants can call 0300 303 0340.

Councillor Kieran Heakin, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “Missing the deadline for applications can have consequences for families, as it can mean not being allocated a place at your preferred school. It is also really important that parents use all preference places as only putting one will not mean that your child will definitely be allocated a place at that school.”

The deadline for applications is October 31 2018, after this a late application must be made and the chances of getting the school of choice are greatly reduced.