Reminder for parents to apply for primary school places

Parents in County Durham are being reminded they are running out of time to apply for primary school places for their children.

The deadline for applications for the next academic year, which starts in September 2020, is Wednesday 15 January 2020.

In order for a child to be eligible to start school in September 2020, the child’s birthday must fall between 1 September 2015 and 31 August 2016.

Cllr Olwyn Gunn, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said: “For parents, the decision of where to send their child is, understandably, a big one. We would urge parents to make sure they apply by the deadline as a late application greatly reduces chances of getting into a preferred school.”

Applications can be made online at www.durham.gov.uk/schooladmissions or by post. If posting, the forms should be sent back using signed for or special delivery services.

Application forms can also be requested by phoning 03000 265896 or by writing to the school places and admissions team at Durham County Council, County Hall, Durham, DH1 5UJ.

Offers of places will be made to parents on 16 April 2020.

For applications completed online, offers will be received by email. For applications sent by post, offers will be received by letter. These should arrive by no later than 18 April 2020.