Q: Can I apply for the same school more than once?
Q: Can I change my preferences after the closing date?
Q: Can I make an application after the closing date?
Q: Do I fill in the County Council’s application form even if I am applying for a Foundation or Voluntary Aided school?
Q: Do I need to complete any paper forms if I am applying online?
Q: How do I apply for a Northamptonshire Primary School if I live outside of Northamptonshire?
Q: How do I apply for a school place if I move into Northamptonshire?
Q: I am worried that you have not received my online application, what should I do?
Q: I can't remember my password, what should I do?
Q: I have amended my application, how can I be sure that this is the version you use?
Q: I have applied online but want to change my mind, how do I do this?
Q: I have lost my UID – what should I do?
Q: I have not received my allocation letter, what should I do?
Q: I have not received my password by email, what should I do?
Q: I live in Northamptonshire but want to apply for a Primary School in another county – how do I do this?
Q: My child is due to start school for the first time, how do I apply?
Q: My child is due to transfer from Infant to Junior School, how do I apply?
Q: My child is due to transfer from Lower to Middle School, how do I apply?
Q: The system keeps telling me that my child is too young or too old, what should I do?
Q: What advice is there for choosing a primary school?
Q: What can I do if my application for a place at a school is unsuccessful?
Q: What do I need to be able to apply online?
Q: What happens if I move during the application process?
Q: What is a UID?
Q: What types of Primary School are there?
Q: When do I need to apply for my child's primary school place?
Q: When will I be told where my child has been allocated a place?
Q: Where can I find information on home - school transport?
Q: Where can I find information on schools’ linked areas?
Q: Where do I return my primary preference form?
Q: Can I apply for the same school more than once?
A: The online system will not allow you to select a school more than once. There is no advantage whatsoever in only stating one preference by writing down the same school more than once on your paper preference form.
In fact, the law makes it very clear that if you only state one preference and it is unsuccessful, a place can only be allocated after all the other people’s preferences (first, second and third) have been considered.
The result might be that you are allocated a place a long way from your home and transport may not be available.
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Q: Can I change my preferences after the closing date?
A: Once parents have submitted their preferences, Local Authorities must not allow them to be changed unless there is a genuine reason for doing so, for example if the family has recently moved address.
Any request to change preferences must be made in writing to the Admissions Team.
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Q: Can I make an application after the closing date?
A: The online system closes on 13th November 2009 for primary applications and you will not be able to apply online after this date. If you choose to apply using the paper preference form, it is important that your application is returned to the School Admissions Team by the deadline.
To make an application after the closing date you will need to complete a paper preference form although applications received after this date will be considered as 'late'.
An exception to this is if you are moving within / into Northamptonshire. Please see the section on Late Applications.
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Q: Do I fill in the County Council’s application form even if I am applying for a Foundation or Voluntary Aided school?
A: Yes. The overall process is co-ordinated by the county council. The school governors and the council work together to operate the procedures. This means that you must return the county council preference form to the School Admissions Team whatever your preferences may be.
Some Foundation or Voluntary Aided schools may have additional forms that they require you to complete. This is in order to assess your application against their admission policy. Please check with the school directly as to whether they have an additional form.
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Q: Do I need to complete any paper forms if I am applying online?
A: If you apply online you do not need to submit the paper preference form.
You may however need to complete an additional form for some schools if they are amongst your preferences (first, second or third).
For primary applications please check with your preferred school directly as to whether an additional form is necessary.
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Q: How do I apply for a Northamptonshire Primary School if I live outside of Northamptonshire?
A: If you live outside Northamptonshire and wish to apply for a primary school place in Northamptonshire, you can apply either online between 7th September - 13th November 2009 or by picking up a paper preference form and booklet from some schools or direct from the Admissions Team. The 'Applying for a primary school place’ Information for Parents Booklet has full instructions on both methods.
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Q: How do I apply for a school place if I move into Northamptonshire?
A: If you move into Northamptonshire and require a school place outside the normal transfer times please contact the Admissions Team. We will be able to advise you about the general availability of places.
Please refer to the ‘Applying for a School Place outside the normal transfer times’ section.
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Q: I am worried that you have not received my online application, what should I do?
A: You should receive a confirmation email after submitting your preferences. You can also print the summary page, which is displayed after submitting the application as proof of your application.
If you have not received your confirmation email please check your 'junk mail' folder as sometimes it will automatically be transferred here by some email providers.
If you still have not received it, it may be because you have typed your email address incorrectly, please contact the admissions team.
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Q: I can't remember my password, what should I do?
A: If you forget your password and wish to regain access to your application, please click on the 'Forgotten Password' link on the Online application service homepage. You will need to enter your email address and your mothers maiden name (asked for on registration).
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Q: I have amended my application, how can I be sure that this is the version you use?
A: If you amend your online application you must remember to re-submit it. Every time you do this you will receive an email confirming your preferences. Some email providers filter this email so we recommend you check your 'junk mail' folder. Please retain your confirmation emails for future reference.
If you submit more than one application, either paper, online or both, the latest dated application will be considered.
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Q: I have applied online but want to change my mind, how do I do this?
A: You can recall your online application using your email address and password and make changes up until the deadline.
It is important that you remember to re-submit any amendments made; each time you submit amendments to your preferences you will receive a confirmation email.
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Q: I have lost my UID – what should I do?
A: If your child attends a Northamptonshire infant or lower school, you will receive a unique number (UID) for your child which you will need to enter when applying online to access your child's details. If you have lost your UID please email the admissions team on admissions@northamptonshire.gov.uk to request a duplicate letter. For security reasons your UID can not be given to you over the telephone.
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Q: I have not received my allocation letter, what should I do?
A: The Admissions Team will post all primary school allocation letters on 21st April 2010 by first class mail.
Please do not contact the team before 23rd April as we will only be able to advise you that a letter is in the post. We are unable to give details over the phone.
If you have not received your letter by 24th April please email admissions@northamptonshire.gov.uk with your childs details and the order you made your preferences, and we will organise a duplicate letter to be sent.
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Q: I have not received my password by email, what should I do?
A: Once you have registered on the online system your password will be emailed to you. This may not be instant and could take a couple of hours. Please check your 'junk mail' folder as sometimes it will automatically be transferred here by some email providers.
If you still have not received your password by email it may because you have entered your email address incorrectly. Please contact the admissions team for assistance.
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Q: I live in Northamptonshire but want to apply for a Primary School in another county – how do I do this?
A: You will need to apply directly to the Local Authority of your preferred school (either online or using their paper preference form).
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Q: My child is due to start school for the first time, how do I apply?
A: In Northamptonshire your child is eligible to start school in the September following their 4th birthday.
There are two ways to apply for a Primary school place – either online or using the paper preference form.
The deadline for the September 2010 intake is 13th November 2009.
The online application system is available from 7th September 2009 until the deadline or alternatively the booklets and preference forms are available at some primary schools or direct from the Admissions Team from 7th September 2009.
Please visit the ‘Applying for a primary school place’ page to view full instructions on both methods.
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Q: My child is due to transfer from Infant to Junior School, how do I apply?
A: If your child is currently in year 2 of an infant School you will need to apply for a junior school place by 13th November 2009.
There are two ways to apply for a school place – either online or using the paper preference form.
You should receive a paper preference form and an 'Applying for a Primary School Place in Northamptonshire 2010/2011' booklet from your child’s current school.
Please visit the ‘Applying for a primary school place’ page to view full instructions on both methods.
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Q: My child is due to transfer from Lower to Middle School, how do I apply?
A: If your child is currently in year 4 of a Lower School you will need to apply for a middle school place by 13th November 2009.
Parents in this area are being encouraged to apply online. You can download a copy of the 'Applying for a Primary School Place in Northamptonshire 2010/2011' booklet from the Admissions website which includes full instructions.
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Q: The system keeps telling me that my child is too young or too old, what should I do?
A: If you have not used your child’s UID to apply online please ensure you are selecting the correct transfer group for the age of your child. If you need assistance please contact the admissions team.
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Q: What advice is there for choosing a primary school?
A: The County Council will do all it can to help you understand the procedure. We advise you to:
- visit as many of the schools that interest you as possible
- visit the Online Schools Directory where you can view Ofsted Reports, DCSF performance data and admissions criteria
- contact the Admissions Team if you need assistance during the process
- attend one of the Admissions Roadshows between September and November 2009.
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Q: What can I do if my application for a place at a school is unsuccessful?
A: We understand that it can be extremely disappointing for both parents and children if you are not allocated a place at your first preference school.
Some parents readily accept the alternative place they are offered. Others will discuss the situation with their friends and perhaps the head teacher of their child’s allocated primary school.
If you have not had the opportunity to visit the school where your child has been allocated a place, it would be a good idea to arrange an appointment to find out more about the school and to ask any questions of the staff there.
Details of the appeal process will be provided with the allocation letters. If you choose to appeal, you should notify the Admission Authority in writing of the school you would like your child to go to.
You may appeal for a place at more than one school. Remember you can appeal for any school for which you have been refused a place. You do not need to contact the one where your child has been allocated a place. For further information please see the Appeals section.
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Q: What do I need to be able to apply online?
A: You will need to have an email account to be able to register to use the online system.
If your child is transferring to a junior or middle school and you live in Northamptonshire, the Admissions team will send a personalised letter to you via your child's current school explaining how to use the service. This letter will include a personal unique identification number (UID) for your child.
If you have more than one child transferring you will receive a UID for each child.
If you are applying for a Reception place, an email address is all you need to complete the process.
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Q: What happens if I move during the application process?
A: If you move into or within Northamptonshire after the closing date of 13th November 2009 but your application for a primary place is received by 1st March 2010, in respect of Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools, it will be considered as far as possible in the same way as other applications.
If you move after 1st March 2010 but before the start of the Autumn Term in September 2010, consideration will be given to your preferences, but if all your preferred schools have filled to their Admission Number then:
- In urban areas a place will generally be offered at the nearest school with places available
- In rural areas, we will seek to make a priority placement wherever possible, subject to infant class size rules.
Please note that documentary evidence of ownership or rental agreement may be required together with proof of actual permanent residence at the property concerned.
Places cannot be allocated on the basis of intended future changes of address unless house moves have been confirmed through the exchange of contracts or the signing of formal lease agreement.
The County Council reserves the right to seek further documentary evidence to support your claim to residence.
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Q: What is a UID?
A: A UID is a unique identification number. If you are applying for a junior or middle school place you will receive a UID for your child, which you will need to use to apply online for a school place.
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Q: What types of Primary School are there?
A: There are well over 250 primary schools in Northamptonshire. There are four different age ranges that these schools cover:
- 4-11 years (known as Primary Schools)
- 4-7 years (known as Infant Schools)
- 7-11 years (known as Junior Schools)
- 4-9 years (in the Oundle and Thrapston area only; known either as Primary or Lower Schools).
The five different types of primary schools are:
- Community
- Voluntary Controlled
- Voluntary Aided
- Foundation
- Academy
The county council is responsible for allocating places at community and voluntary controlled schools. At the other schools, the Governors decide on the allocation of places.
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Q: When do I need to apply for my child's primary school place?
A: There is one intake in September for all Primary schools in Northamptonshire. In Northamptonshire children start Primary (or Infant) School in the September following their fourth birthday.
You will need to apply for your child’s primary school place in the Autumn prior to your child starting school. For children starting school in September 2010, application forms will be available from September 2009.
All applications received by the deadline are treated equally - there is not a 'first-come first served' waiting list policy. All schools will hold an interest list to which you may add your child's name if you wish. This does not, however, guarantee a place, and it is the parent's responsibility to complete and return an application by the appropriate deadline.
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Q: When will I be told where my child has been allocated a place?
A: The admissions team will post letters with details of the allocation of places by first class mail on 21st April 2010 for primary places.
Please do not contact the admissions team before the 23rd April as they will only be able to advise you that your letter is in the post. It will not be possible to give allocation details over the phone.
Your letter from the council is the only official notification of a school place.
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Q: Where can I find information on home to school transport?
A: The council will provide transport free of charge, either by dedicated vehicle or bus pass, to the nearest available school (in urban areas) or "designated" school for your address (in rural areas), provided that the distance between home and school is greater than 2 miles for children aged up to 8 and 3 miles for children aged 8 and over. The distance is measured by the shortest walking route.
Additionally, if the distance from home to school is less than three miles, but along a route considered by the council to be an unacceptable walking route on the grounds of safety, free transport will be provided. Other safety issues will be considered on merit.
Please visit the home to school travel page to find further details.
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Q: Where can I find information on schools’ linked areas?
A: A list of towns / villages and their links to primary schools is available within the 'Applying for a Primary School Place in Northamptonshire' Information for Parents Booklet.
Alternatively you can search for an individual school or schools within a certain area using the Online Schools Directory and view their admission criteria.
Please note, the towns of Corby, Kettering, Northampton and Wellingborough are not formally linked to any school.
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Q: Where do I return my primary preference form?
A: If you apply using the paper preference form for a Reception, junior or middle school place, please return your form to the School Admissions Team, Northamptonshire County Council, PO Box 216, John Dryden House, The Lakes, Northampton, NN4 7DD by 21st November 2008.
If you would like confirmation that your form has been received please return the postcard (on the back of the Information for Parents booklet) with your form. Do not forget to include a stamp.
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