SCHOOLS may have only just returned for the autumn term, but parents across the Advertiser patch need to plan ahead for new pupil places in 2011.
The process for moving to secondary school in Herts began today (Monday, September 6). Leaflets giving details are being distributed to families through their children’s primary schools and parents are urged to apply by Friday, October 22 so that their applications can be checked, acknowledged and processed in good time, however applications will be accepted until October 31.
An interactive version of the “Moving On” booklet is available at www.hertsdirect.org/admissions and the easiest way to apply is online by logging onto www.hertsdirect.org/admissions.
Last year 92 per cent of parents applied this way, but those who do not want to use the internet can request a paper application form that must be returned direct to their local admissions and transport team. Application forms can no longer be returned to a child’s current primary school.
The under-11s application process - primary, junior and middle schools - opens on Monday November 15 and the closing date is
This year, for the first time, parents will be able to apply for any school in
The nursery application process will change significantly this year. Parents will be able to apply for nursery schools and classes, as well as for places in private, voluntary and independent early years settings, on the same online system. The nursery application process does not start until mid February 2011 when nursery literature will be sent directly to parents.
Councillor Richard Thake, executive member for education said: "Parents and carers want to ensure their children gain a place at the school they most prefer. However, many schools receive more applications than they have places available and the admission rules are used to determine which children are offered places at which schools.
“Herts has a good track record and last year over 95 per cent of children were allocated one of their three ranked secondary schools and over 94 per cent one of their three ranked primary schools."
