Admissions
Admission to Primary School
Children are admitted into Reception in the September following their fourth birthday. Parents can request that the date their child is admitted to the school is deferred until later in the year or until the term in which the child reaches compulsory school age. Parents can also request that their child takes up the place part-time until the child reaches compulsory school age. The admission criteria will apply to all children seeking a school place, whatever their term of entry. The place offered will be reserved on condition that it is taken up within the same school year.
When do I need to apply for my child to start in reception at a primary school?
You need to apply if you have a child who will be starting school any time from 1 September 2021 to 31 August 2022. This includes children born between 1 September 2016 and 31 August 2017.
What if my child was born during the summer term?
In the case of summer-born children, however, parents cannot apply for a reception place in the September following the child’s fifth birthday. If such parents wish to delay their child's entry to full-time education until their child reaches compulsory school age, they would need to apply for a place in Year 1. Exceptionally, deferred admission into Reception in the following September for a summer-born child with significant medical or educational needs will be considered where supported by written recommendations from professionals working with the child and family.
How do I apply for a reception place at a primary school?
To apply for a primary school place you can apply online at www.bradford.gov.uk/admissions or you can complete a common application form which is available from 9 November 2020. The online admissions system will be available for reception applications from 9 November 2020 until 15 January 2021. You may also need to complete a supplementary application form or provide us with evidence supporting your application depending on the schools you have applied for.
In either case, you must apply by 15 January 2021 at the latest.
Can I choose what primary school my child goes to?
You can make a preference for up to five schools, these should be listed in the order you would prefer them.
What help is available for me to decide which schools to apply for?
Before you decide on a particular school, you should visit the schools in your area. While schools welcome visitors, it helps them if you make an appointment.
If you would like information on how particular schools are performing, you can get a summary of the latest Ofsted report from the school, or see full reports on Ofsted’s website (www.ofsted.gov.uk). You can also find information on the school’s Key Stage two results on the Department for Education website at www.dfe.gov.uk or in the school’s booklet.
When will I find out what school my child has been allocated?
You will receive a letter mid-April 2021 to inform you which school your child has been offered a place at. There will be an acceptance form with the letter which you must return to the school. If you have applied online, you will also receive an email telling you which school your child has been offered a place at.
What happens if I don't get the school that I want?
Information on how to appeal the decision can be found on page 11 of the booklet below.