www.wiltshire.gov.uk
Primary school places - frequently asked questions
The application process for admissions to primary education
This page is intended to assist parents with the most frequent queries arising during the application process. If the question you have is not answered here or you require more details on the application process please ring our helpline on 01225 713010.
Do I have to make a written application?
You may either apply online or use a paper application. You should not do both. If you would like to complete a paper application you can obtain a form from any Wiltshire primary school or from County Hall, Trowbridge. Call our helpline on 01225 713010.
I would like a school place outside Wiltshire what should I do?
You should apply to the County Council which maintains the school, not to Wiltshire County Council. If you are not sure which County Council that is, contact the school directly for details.
I don’t live in Wiltshire but I would like to apply for a school which is in Wiltshire. What should I do?
You have to apply through Wiltshire County Council as we are the maintaining authority.
How do I decide which schools to apply to?
Try to find out as much as you can about the schools you are interested in. Many schools hold open days or evenings which will enable you to look around the school and meet some of the teachers and pupils. The schools will be able to advise you about the likelihood of securing a place based on their experience of previous years. Please contact the schools directly or use the school links from this website. The School Admissions Team at County Hall can also provide general advice.
Where can I find information on test results?
Schools will be able to advise you of their pupil’s test results. Tables comparing results from different schools are available from the Department for Children Schools and Families (DCSF).
Please contact the DCSF on 0800 242322 for a copy of these results. The tables are also published in newspapers and available on the DCSF website.
How can I ensure that I obtain a place in the school of my preference?
You cannot be guaranteed a place in any particular school. Every parent must complete an application form and places will be allocated according to the rules set out in the admissions policy, details of these are given in the school admissions brochures produced by the School Admissions Team.
How many preferences can I put down?
You can name up to three schools on the application form, but you do not have to use all three preferences. A school should only be named once on the application form.
How do you allocate places?
The applications for each school are ranked according to their priority in the admission criteria for each school. Each school has a PAN or published admission number. This tells you how many applicants can be accepted into the reception year of each school. We will make an offer at the highest preference school which has a space available for your child.
Is there a deadline for applications?
You should submit an application either online or on a paper form to reach the School Admissions Team at County Hall, Trowbridge by noon 14 November 2008.
When will I know the outcome of my application?
You will be informed in writing at the beginning of February. Letters will be posted first class from County Hall on 2 February 2009.
What happens if I miss the deadline?
If you submit an application after noon 14 November 2008 it cannot be considered until all those applications received before the deadline have been processed and your notification will be delayed. Obviously by the time your application is considered the schools you name may already have been filled up and there may not be a place available for your child. It is therefore important to apply before the deadline.
Will my child go on a waiting list if they are not offered a place?
There are waiting lists for all voluntary controlled and community schools which receive more applications than there are places available. These lists are ordered according to the admission criteria for the school. Most foundation and aided schools keep their own waiting lists - again these have to be kept in order according to the admission criteria for the school.
What should I do if my request for a place in my preferred primary school cannot be met and I do not wish to accept the place I am offered?
You have the right to an independent appeal if you are not offered any one of the schools that you named on your application. Please contact the Customer Care Unit on 01225 713010 who will explain how to appeal for a school place.
Why have I been offered a place at a school I did not choose?
If we have not been able to meet any of your preferences and you live in Wiltshire we will have allocated your child a place at the nearest school to your home address which had an available space. If you wish to apply for an alternative school you did not originally name on your application form you will need to submit a further application but in the first instance you are advised to talk to the School Admissions Team who can offer advice to you in this situation.
If I obtain a place in the primary school of my preference for one of my children this year, can I guarantee obtaining a place at the same school for his or her younger brother or sister (sibling)?
No, there is no guarantee that a place will be obtained although most schools give more priority to an application if an older sibling is already in the school. When the time comes for your younger child to transfer, you will again need to request a place at the school of your preference. The request will be considered in accordance with the school’s admissions policy.
A sibling (i.e: brother or sister) is defined as a child who shares one, natural parent, a step brother ot sister, or has been legally adopted ot fostered into the family. The sibling must be on the roll of the preferred school as at the deadline date, (providing that the sibling is not in their final year at the school) and the child lives at the same address as the sibling.
What happens if I want a place at a church school?
You should still complete the on-line application form. The faith based schools are known as voluntary aided schools. At these schools it is the Governors that decide the admissions policy and rank the applications received by the School Admissions Team. Many aided schools will ask you to complete a supplementary form because they need to collect information to confirm church attendance or a baptismal certificate for example. It is important though that you send a completed application form to The School Admissions team or your application will not be valid.
What will happen if I move house before or after I apply for a primary school place?
If you move house after the 14 November you should contact the School Admissions Team for advice. We cannot make any changes after nonn on 7 January 2009.
Will my child be given help with school transport?
Transport is only normally available where children have to travel more than the statutory distance to school (over two miles if under 8 and over 3 miles if over 8). This may affect the schools you name as a preference.
You should contact the Passenger Transport Unit 01225 713000 for advice on your entitlement to transport.
If the questions you have are not answered here or you require more details on the application process please ring the Customer Care Unit on 01225 713010.
Contact Details
By Post
School Admissions
Wiltshire County Council
County
Hall
Bythesea Road
Trowbridge
Wiltshire
BA14
8JB
By Email
By Telephone
01225 713010
By Fax
01225 713775
By Hand
County Hall, Trowbridge
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm
