Published Thursday 2 September 2021 at 9:57
Applications for September 2022/23 school admissions in Blackburn with Darwen open today (Thursday, 2 September 2021).
The Council’s School Admissions team have shared their top dos and don’ts to help with the application process.
Data from previous years has shown that applying on-time can significantly improve a child’s chance of getting the school place of their choice. 98% of primary school applications and 94% of secondary school applications received before the deadline were allocated one of their preference schools. Yet leaving it too late can lead to disappointment, as only 33% of late secondary school applications were allocated one of their preference schools.
Primary school applications are open from 2 September 2021 – 15 January 2022.
Secondary school applications are open from 2 September 2021 – 31 October 2021.
Here are the School Admissions team’s top dos and don’ts for applying for a school place:
Do
- Apply online at www.blackburn.gov.uk/admissions – this is a quick, easy and secure way to apply for a school place. Parents who are not able to apply online from home can do so at libraries in the borough and can also call the admissions team for assistance.
- List 3 school preferences
- Carefully check the admission policies for your chosen schools – these can be found on the Council’s website or on the school’s website.
- Ensure all the additional forms and information are provided
- Apply to the local authority that you reside in, even if you require a school in a different borough
- Apply using your actual address that the child resides in at the time of application
Don’t
- Don’t apply after the deadline as this may affect the outcome of your application
- Don’t apply for an independent school using this process
- Don’t repeat the name of your preferred school – this does not improve your chances of getting a place
- Don’t apply using a future address – this could result in the school offered being withdrawn
Councillor Julie Gunn, Executive Member for Children, Young People & Education, said:
Choosing a school place for your child is a really important decision. We would encourage all parents and carers to submit their school applications as soon as possible to be in with the best chance of securing one of their preferred choices. Our Admissions team are on hand if you have any questions or need any support with making your application.
For more info and to apply online, visit www.blackburn.gov.uk/admissions. If you need any help, contact the Admissions Team at 10 Duke Street, Blackburn, BB2 1DH. Tel: (01254) 666605.