Have you applied for primary school places?

Parents are being urged to get their children’s primary, infant and junior school applications in as deadline day approaches.

Norfolk County Council is responsible for administering schools admissions in the county and expects more than 10,000 four and five-year-olds to enter reception classes this September.

However, a fifth of parents are yet to apply for their place and applications need to be with the council by Thursday, January 15, for parents to be in with the best chance of getting a place at their preferred school.

By law, children must start statutory education full-time at the beginning of the term following their fifth birthday.

Nearly a quarter of junior school transfer applications are also outstanding and need to reach the council by Thursday to meet the deadline. These apply to children who are currently in Year 2 at the county’s infant schools and are due to enter Year 3 in September.

Late applications will still be accepted but will be considered after those received on time, meaning parents are less likely to get their first preference.

The best way to apply is via the council’s website www.norfolk.gov.uk/admissions

National offer day is Monday, 18 April and those who apply online will receive an email that afternoon with details of their offer. Those sending paper applications will receive a letter by class post containing that information.