Friday 31st August 2007
(ref:
264/2007)
Parents of children who will be moving from primary to secondary school in September 2008 can now apply for places online.
And, under new rules on school admissions in England, parents of Year 6 children are being asked to list three schools in order of priority – the so-called ‘equal preference’ system.
The changes are intended to give all children a fair and equal chance of taking up a place of their choice. All three schools listed will be given equal status and considered regardless of whether they are a first, second or third preference. The council will then look at each applicant’s highest available preference and co-ordinate the offer of a single place.
Last year, Wigan Council received around 700 online applications – nearly one fifth of all the applications received – and the school places team hopes even more parents will choose to use the internet this year.
Councillor Brian Wilson, Cabinet Champion for Children and Young People explains:
"Our schools already have fair admission arrangements in place, but the new code will hopefully provide an even greater opportunity for parents to obtain the preferred school for their children.
“Under the present system children who do not get a place at their first-preference school – and that’s now less than 3% anyway – also risk losing out on a place at their other preferred schools. The new system should result in more children receiving a place at one of their three choices, because a second or third preference will carry the same weight as a first preference.
“The online system itself is quick and easy to use and we’d like to see even more parents and guardians using the internet, though parents can still apply on the paper form if they prefer. Whatever system parents choose, each application will be treated in exactly the same way at the same time – there is no first come first served."
Online applications can be made via the secondary school admissions section from Monday 3rd September to until Friday 19th October. Details of a similar system for children entering reception class in September 2008 will be announced later in the year.
Anybody wanting more information about the changes, contact the school places team on 01942 486037
