West Sussex parents can now apply for their child's primary school place
They are being urged to get them in on time.
Parents in West Sussex can now apply for their child's primary or infant school place.
Applications for children set to start school in September 2021 are now open.
Parents have until 15 January, 2021, to submit their application.
Children born between 1 September, 2016, and 31 August, 2017, will be eligible to start primary or infant school next September.
Parents of children currently in Year 2 at infant school are also now able to apply for a place at junior school for September 2021.
How to apply for a school place in West Sussex:
West Sussex County Council has said the "quickest and easiest" way to apply is online.
Parents will then receive an automatic email acknowledging the application has been received.
Computers with internet access are available to use for free in all West Sussex libraries, but have to be booked in advance because of COVID-19 restrictions.
Anybody who is unable to apply online can request a form through the post by calling 033 301 42903.
Advice to parents:
Parents/carers are "strongly advised" by the council to submit applications before the deadline.
Anybody who misses the deadline must still submit an application form, as a child will not automatically be allocated a school.
The county council is advising parents/carers:
• To read all the advice on the West Sussex County Council school admissions webpages.
• To apply for up to three schools, listing them in order of preference.
• That a child is not guaranteed a place at a school just because they are in the catchment area. Parents and carers will need to select the catchment school as part of their application for it to be considered.
• To view a school's website for information about the school and its visiting policy, which may be virtual because of coronavirus restrictions.
Nigel Jupp, cabinet member for education and skills, said:
"A child starting school or moving from an infant to a junior school is an exciting time, but I cannot stress enough the importance of making sure applications are received on time.
"This will give a far greater chance of a preferential offer."
The closing date for all primary, infant and junior school applications is 11.59pm on Friday, 15 January, 2021.
Secondary school applications are also currently open for September 2021 and close on Saturday, 31 October, 2020.
Any parents/carers who need help with the admissions process can call 033 301 42903 or email the admissions team north: admissions.north@westsussex.gov.uk , or the admissions team south admissions.south@westsussex.gov.uk .