Applying for school

I did the calculator to see when I need to apply and it says November. We have a school near us so which luckily has the best ofsted rating. Then we’re going to research other schools in the area and make a decision that way but yeah you’d think you’d get some information about it x

We can’t apply until 4th November where I live, I don’t know if all areas are different. Like above we have a school in the catchment area that isn’t a good rating but some of the others have open evenings to have a look round too x

I think some do open days, so you can have a tour and get information or some will do that privately if you call/ email. We have between October and the beginning of January to apply where I am

I’m in London apply for my daughter 1st sept . I went on my Council website it gave me a list of schools in my area . I then researched them & applied for my top 4 but got the option to apply for 6 x

Some have open days. I rang one school and they said theyre doing it in October so I'll apply after that. Ours says to pick 5 ideally but definitely 3. One of those has to be in our catchment. The ones in our catchment are far away and I don't have a car. The one closest is walking distance but not in our catchment. I'm putting that down as a first choice then another nice one but it's half hour walk away and the last choice as the catchment one. If they deny the first choice and give us the second how do they expect my child to walk half hour to school and half hour back. He don't do prams cos he likes walking but half hour twice a day is a bit much.

Our LA don’t allow applications until November, guessing it’s different in different areas. The best thing to do it visit the schools local to you, look online at their policies/curriculums etc and see what feels best for you

You won’t be sent a pack of information It’s all online You can contact schools regarding open days or visits if they don’t do open days I wouldn’t base any decision purely on ofsted reports/gradings do your own research ask local residence what they know etc Depending on your local area applications may open sooner than others as long as you apply by around the 15th January then all applications are reviewed at the same time You’d then find out in April where you have been allocated Top tip always put you local school as an option or one you’re guaranteed a place at even if it isn’t your first choice and it’s one you don’t really want because otherwise you may end up with a school you really don’t want far away from your house x

If you ring schools they will let you have a look arpund, a lot don't do open days anymore. You can also apply for schools out of area, but you have to be able to get them there. ( i rang school admissions today to ask as we ideally don't want the school in our catchment area due to no childcare )