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Admission to primary school

Common Preference Form

Some points to consider before you complete your Common Preference Form

Please note: the information relates to pupils starting primary school in September 2008.  It will be updated on 8 December 2008 for the 2009 entry.

Please read section 2 of the information - Co-ordinated admissions scheme .

Common Preference Form

 See 9. Late applications and 12. Casual admissions and transfers

1. Please note that only one application for preferences, per child, can be made. Please ensure that a Common Preference Form printed from this web site, or an online application, is not submitted in addition to completing the form within the Admissions Booklet.
2. If you wish to download a Common Preference Form for completion, please do not return this via e-mail, as these cannot be accepted. Please complete the form and return to your first preference school or direct to the Local Authority at Northgate House, no later than 29 November 2007.
   • Address
   • Admissions Officer
     Children and Young People’s Services
     Northgate House
     Halifax HX1 1UN

3. To meet the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998, data handlers (in this instance, the local authority) need to issue a Fair Processing Notice to data providers (you) summarising the information held, why it is held, and the third parties to whom it may be passed on.

   Fair Processing Notice (Pupil Information)

First come, first served does not apply

All applications are considered together following the closing date (29 November 2007).

Will my child get a bus pass?

Please read section 13 of the information – Home to School Transport Policy .

Am I in the catchment area for a particular school?

There are no catchment areas for community and voluntary controlled primary schools.

My preferred school is a foundation or voluntary aided school. What admission criteria applies?

Please read Part B, Section 2 of the information – Appendix 2: foundation and voluntary aided schools .

Your permanent home address is important

Please read section 6 of the information – Parental Preferences .

I've changed my mind

Please contact Children and Young People's Services on 01422 392617 before the closing date (29 November 2007). Preferences cannot be changed after this date without the application being treated as 'late'.

Last year my neighbour's child was allocated a place at a particular school which was not my local school and I expect my child to also be allocated a place

It is impossible to predict each year how many applications will be received for each school, where those applicants live and where there may be additional circumstances to take into account, such as siblings already attending the school. It may therefore be possible that one child is admitted one year, but a neighbouring child is not admitted the following year. It is important to complete Section C of the application form (information about siblings).

What happens if my child is not offered a place at any of my preferred schools?

You will be allocated a place at the nearest appropriate school with a vacancy and will be advised of the reallocation process and your right of appeal.

Approximate timetable

• 18 October 2007 to 29 November 2007 - Period in which parents may consider their preferences.
• 29 November 2007 - Last day for completed Common Preference Form to be returned to first preference primary school or direct to the Local Authority. Also last day for online applications to be submitted.
• 19 March 2008 - Offer of places at Primary Schools.

If you have any other questions or need further advice about admissions to primary schools, please contact - Admissions Officer, Children and Young People's Services (telephone 01422 392617) before 29 November 2007.

Admission to primary school continued: Appendix .

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