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Primary school - applying for a reception place for September 2008

Basic information regarding applying for a reception place at a primary school in Coventry.

For advice about pre-school or playgroups, see the childcare section of the website.

The application process

Deciding which school you would prefer is one of the most important decisions parents and children have to make. We want to make sure that the first step is as smooth as possible for your family. It is important to have all of the information available to enable you, with your child, to take a considered view of the school you would prefer them to attend.

Apply online

Follow this link to make an online application for a school place for a child who is starting school for the first time. 

Common Application Form and supplementary forms

The Common Application Form to apply for a place at a local authority community, Catholic or Church of England Primary School within Coventry is attached at the bottom of this page. You will also need to complete the supplementary forms to apply for a place at St John's or Leigh Church of England schools.

In-year transfers

Any parents who have queries about in-year transfers should contact the Admissions and Benefits Team directly on 024 7683 1622.

Our admissions policy

We aim to make sure that you have the best chance of securing a place at the school you want. Each year we manage to offer about 92% of children a place at their first preference school. Many schools, however, receive more applications than there are places available. Coventry therefore has developed a set of criteria (see our Primary Schools Admissions Policy), which help determine how the available places are allocated. These arrangements must be fair and unbiased and follow the requirements of the Government's Code of Practice for Admissions. The council sets the rules for admission for community and voluntary controlled schools, while the governors of voluntary aided schools set specific rules for their schools.

Information about applying for a school place

Our brochure Primary Education in Coventry 2008 will give you information about applying for a school place and gives details about schools that are available in the city, including:

• admission arrangments for local authority primary schools
• admission arrangements for Catholic primary schools
• admission arrangements for Church of England primary schools
• advice on completing the application form
• and the admissions process timetable.

Finding out about schools in Coventry

Further information about each school can be found in its prospectus, which can be obtained either direct from the school or from the Children, Learning and Young People's directorate. Arrangements can be made to visit individual schools by contacting the headteacher. Follow this link to view primary school contact details.

Children are likely to benefit most from their school days if parents and teachers work closely together. You will find that headteachers will be pleased to meet you, so do not hesitate to get in touch with them if you have any queries or matters of concern.

Starting school

Primary schools in the city serve children between the ages of 4 and 11 years. In most areas one school will provide for all primary age pupils; in two areas there are separate schools for Infants (aged 4-7) and Juniors (aged 8-11). Some schools also have Nursery Classes, which admit children in the academic year before they are due to commence school.

Coventry children may be admitted to primary schools at the beginning of the school year after their fourth birthday provided they have reached the age of four by the 31 August. However, children must start school at the beginning of the term following their fifth birthday. 

Appeals process

If your application for a school is unsuccessful, you have the right to have your case heard by an Independent Appeals Panel. Follow this link for more information about the appeals process.

If you are in need of more advice or guidance at any time during the process, you can:

• contact the headteacher of your local school;
• call into the Children, Learning and Young People's directorate, which is located in Earl Street, Coventry. The Admissions and Benefits Team are available from 8.30am to 5.00pm (except on Fridays when the offices close at 4.30pm). See contact details below.

You can also use the FAQs (frequently asked questions) on reception admissions to try and answer any queries you may have on this subject. Also you can find the primary school admissions process timetable in this area.

Contact details