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Some online services unavailable on Saturday 23 November and Monday 25 November

Due to essential maintenance some of our online services will be unavailable over the next few days.

  • On Saturday 23 November between 9am–5pm you will be unable to view your council tax, council tax support and housing benefits accounts or documents while we upgrade our systems.
  • On Monday 25 November between 6–11pm our online parking services will be unavailable. During this time, you won’t be able to review or pay for parking tickets or buy parking permits or visitor vouchers.

We are sorry for any inconvenience while we carry out these necessary works.

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Apply for a secondary school place

If your child is due to start secondary school, you must apply online

Choosing the right school for your child

  1. Apply on time – only 40% of applicants who applied late were offered one of their preferred schools compared to 97% of on time applicants
  2. Remember to apply even if your child’s older sibling already attends your preferred school. There is no automatic entry for siblings – you must submit an application
  3. Check the school website – there is a wealth of useful information available.
  4. Visit schools – this is the best way to get a ‘feel’ for the school. You can meet a member of the leadership team, ask questions and see the school in action. 
  5. Think about what is right for your child – don’t rely on what others tell you, visit the school and experience it first-hand
  6. Talk to your child – involve them as much as you can
  7. Think about the journey – how easy will it be to get to the school? A local school means your child can walk from home, benefitting their health and the environment. 
  8. Check the admission criteria and cut-off distance – how likely is it that your child will be offered a place? You can check by clicking on the link in the school fact file in the secondary admissions booklet
  9. Use all six preferences – make sure you include at least one local school
  10. Ask the School Admissions team for advice – they can’t tell you which schools to apply for, but they can explain the admission criteria and check whether you would have got a place last year 

Make sure you press ‘submit’ when you finish your online application. You should then receive a reference number confirming safe receipt. If you need further advice, contact the school admissions team.

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Data protection: We will handle your personal information in line with the Data Protection Act 1998 and in accordance with the council’s Fair Processing Notice.