Somerset parents and carers of children due to start school or move on to their next school in September 2024 are being urged to apply for their place online and on time.

Parents and carers of children starting a new Secondary or Upper School can apply now.

Parents of children starting school for the first time, or moving up to Junior or Middle School, can apply from 25 September 2023.

For parents of children moving to secondary and upper schools:

The application website for parents and carers of children moving to Secondary and Upper Schools is now open and parents and carers can apply for places for their children from now until 31 October 2023. Please visit:

https://www.somerset.gov.uk/children-families-and-education/applying-for-school/starting-at-a-secondary-or-upper-school-in-september/

For parents and carers of children who are new starters at their first school:

The application website for parents and carers of children starting school for the first time opens on 25 September until 15 January 2024. Please visit:https://www.somerset.gov.uk/children-families-and-education/applying-for-school/apply-to-start-school-for-the-first-time/

Parents and carers of new starters are advised to read the Primary Admissions Guide before making an application. The guide can be accessed at https://www.somerset.gov.uk/children-families-and-education/applying-for-school/primary-admissions-guide/

In helping children get ready to start school, parents and carers can find advice on school readiness at www.cypsomersethealth.org

Parents and carers can also get help to access free early education at https://www.somerset.gov.uk/children-families-and-education/early-years-and-childcare/finding-childcare/

For parents and carers of children moving to junior and middle schools:

Junior and middle school applications can be made from 25 September until 15 January at  https://www.somerset.gov.uk/children-families-and-education/applying-for-school/starting-at-a-junior-or-middle-school/

Any parent who does not have online access can telephone the Somerset Council customer contact number on 0300 123 2224.

Shortly before the deadlines, reminder emails and/or letters will be sent to parents and carers of new starters who have not yet applied. However, the responsibility for getting applications in on time lies with parents and carers.

Up to three preferences can be made. Parents are advised to use all three preferences and consider including their catchment school. Outcomes will be sent to parents and carers via email on 1 March 2024, National Offer Day.

Cllr Tessa Munt, Lead Executive Member for Children, Families and Education at Somerset Council, said "I encourage every parent and carer to put their three choices of school in as soon as they can before the deadline date and include their catchment area school. Every child can flourish and mature with a good education so parents should go online, follow the correct link, and make an application right away. Don't forget to check for open days and visit your local schools to make the right choice for your child."

The webpage www.somerset.gov.uk/admissions holds a wealth of related information including a directory of schools, catchment areas and admissions policies.

Last year's figures show that 98.94% per cent of the 5,182 Somerset children who entered primary school were offered one of their top three choices and of those, 94.54% received their first choice. 98.11% of the 4,786 Somerset children going into secondary school were offered one of their top three choices, with 98.11% receiving their first choice.