Parents living in the Wokingham Borough are being reminded they have just over two weeks to apply for an infant, primary or junior school place. There is only one closing date for applications – Monday January 16, 2012.

Parents whose children were born between September 1, 2007 and August 31, 2008 and due to start school during 2012/2013 must apply to the council by this deadline.

A single offer of a full-time school place to start school in September 2012 will be made on April 20, 2012, but parents will have the option to defer their school place until later in that school year or until compulsory school age. Additionally, requests can be made that their child attends part-time until their child reaches compulsory school age. If residents decide to defer the school place offered, the place will be held provided it is taken up during the 2012 / 2013 school year.

The same deadline of Monday January 16, 2012 applies for those parents wanting their child to join a junior school in year 3 in September 2012, with offers of a school place also being made on April 20, 2012.

Parents can express preferences for up to four schools, including those outside the Wokingham Borough. If parents are applying to an aided school, they may need to complete the school’s own supplementary information form, in addition to the application form.

All preferences are treated on an equal basis, taking into account the admissions criteria. Where there is the potential to offer a place at more than one school, parents will be offered the school they have ranked the highest. 

Application forms and information pack were sent to parents and carers during November. However, if parents or carers of eligible children have not received application forms, they should contact the school admission team at Wokingham Borough Council on (0118) 974 6245 or 974 6225. Applications can also be made online at: www.wokingham.gov.uk/admissions. 

Sue Riddick, schools admissions lead officer, said: "With just over two weeks to apply, it’s vitally important that parents and carers don’t miss the deadline, as this can adversely affect your child’s chance of gaining a place at their preferred school.

"The school admissions team is here to help, and if you have not received an information pack including an application form, please contact us immediately. Alternatively, please visit our website and apply online."

For more information or to apply online, please visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk/admissions