Apply online for primary school places

Applications for children due to start primary school in September 2018 can now be made online.

Families with children born between 1 September 2013 and 31 August 2014 are urged to visit the primary school admissions pages on the county council’s website to find out how to apply for places for next year.

Stating three preferences

Parents are strongly advised to state three preferences when applying and include their catchment school as one of these – even if it is their third preference. This does not in any way affect families’ chances of securing a place at their first-choice school.

Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education Hilary Hibbert-Biles said: “The council has a strong record of being able to offer the vast majority of families a place at their first-choice primary school – with 94 per cent receiving the news they wanted to hear last year.

“It’s very important to apply on time, as this ensures your application is considered alongside all others submitted before the deadline – increasing the chances we will be able to offer you a place at a school listed among your preferences.”

She added: “Many parents understandably have a very clear view about which school they would like their child to attend, but our strong advice is to state three preferences on your application form, including your catchment school – even if it is your third preference. All the information about how to apply can be found on our website.”

The deadline for receipt of completed applications is 15 January 2018.

Postal applications

The council still accepts postal applications but recommends families apply online where possible, as this helps speed up the applications process. It also means families receive an automatic response confirming their application has been received and can be quickly notified if further information is needed.

Those who apply online will also receive an email on allocation day, 16 April 2018, informing them of the outcome of their application.

Postal application forms are available from all Oxfordshire schools and from reception at County Hall in Oxford.

Further advice and information booklets and are available on the council’s website

School transport

To find out if you are eligible for free home-to-school transport visit https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/content/free-home-school-transport