Hundreds of parents risk missing first choice school

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

More than 350 parents risked losing out on their first choice primary or secondary school for 2015 after applying late to the council’s school admissions service.

The service received 216 late applications for primary schools and 148 for secondary schools for children who started this September, resulting in a significant percentage of them missing out on their first choice.

Councillor Donna Martin, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “The message to parents is simple – if you want to get your child into your first choice school, you have a far greater chance if you apply within the deadline. It’s quick and simple to apply through the council’s website and there are free sessions available to help parents get online in your local library.”

The admissions process has already begun for the 2016 school year, with secondary school applications due by 31 October 2015 and primary school applications by 15 January 2016.

Children who were born between 1 September 2011 and 31 August 2012 are now due to start primary school.