Applications open in Cornwall for 2021 school places
Parents are being urged to apply before the deadlines
Applications have opened in Cornwall for places to start school or transfer to secondary school in September 2021.
Cornwall Council says finding the right school place for your child is an important decision for all parents and carers.
If your child was born between 1st September 2016 and 31st August 2017 you will need to apply for a reception place and for parents of children currently in year 6, you need to apply now for your preferred secondary school.
Cornwall Council received 5430 applications for reception places for September 2020 and 5798 applications for secondary school places and parents are urged to apply before the deadline to ensure they have the best chance of being allocated a preferred school.
“Applying for a school place for your child can be a time of mixed emotions and getting the right local information can really help parents to feel they have made an informed decision about their preferred schools for the next stage in their child’s education.”
“Whether you are applying for your child’s first school place or for the move to secondary school, we would urge everyone to get their application in before the deadline and to consider more than one option. Help is at hand for parents who have questions or who need support, through the Family Information Service and through the School Admissions Team.
“If you are unsure which school to apply for, lots of schools, in the light of Covid-19, are holding virtual open days where you can find out first-hand what they have to offer. At the same time you can get practical advice about where to buy uniform and how to make sure your child is ready for their first day.”
Cornwall Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Health and Wellbeing, Sally Hawken
The deadlines for applications:
• Secondary School – 31st October 2020
• Reception Classes – 15th January 2021
For those families who need extra help navigating the school admission process, the Council also offers impartial advice via the Family Information Service.
“We can offer a wide range of support and impartial advice for families across Cornwall. Our specialist advisors can help complete the applications, look at travel and if necessary, guide you through the appeals process.”
Manager of the Family Information Service, Gabrielle Hughes
Not completing the application on time can increase the risk of not being allocated a preferred school, because applications submitted after the deadlines of 31st October (secondary) and 15th January (reception) will not be processed until after all those submitted on time.
There will be some delay before a place can be allocated and it is possible that some schools will already be full.
Parents seeking advice should call the Family Information Service on: 0800 587 8191