2012 admissions open for primary school places in Paignton

2012 admissions are now open for primary school places in Paignton.

Parents in Paignton are being urged to consider and apply for potential school places if their child is due to start primary school in September 2012.

The council are reminding parents who have a child born between September 1, 2007 and August 31, 2008 to apply for a primary school place by the January 15, 2012 deadline.

Parents can either apply online at www.torbay.gov.uk or complete a paper form. Information about starting primary school can be found in the comprehensive free booklet TIPS 5, Primary Admissions 2012/13. The booklet is available to download from the council's website from Tuesday, November 1, 2011. Paper copies of the booklet and form are also available from primary schools or can be requested by telephoning Torbay Children's Services on 01803 208908.

Here is some key information:

* Applications must be made on the common application form even if one or more preferences is for a school in Devon. Any previous application that parents may have made directly to a school will not be considered.

* Even if there is an elder child at the preferred school or the child attends a nursery at the school parents must still apply for a school place using the common application form.

* Applications received after Sunday, January 15 will not be considered in the initial round of allocations.

* Parents will receive notification of the place allocated to their child on Friday, April 20, 2012 after 4pm, if they apply online, or by letter posted on April 20 if they complete a paper form.

Cllr Chris Lewis said: "Torbay has a transparent and fair application system for primary schools admissions and we would like to urge parents to apply before the deadline.

"The quickest and easiest way for parents to apply for school places is online. A large number of parents already use the council's website to research schools and the online form is just a click away from these pages."

The council's admissions officers are available to help parents through the admissions process. Parents can telephone 01803 208908 or email pupil.services@torbay.gov.uk

Geograph image of Hayes Primary School by Richard Dorrell.