Important changes to school admission arrangements
Written by Shaun Moore on July 1, 2010
The procedures for applying for a school place in Gloucestershire state schools for September 2011 have changed.
Due to national changes in the school admissions process, the closing dates for applications and grammar school testing have been brought forward for children starting school in September. 
All parents will be invited to state up to a maximum of four ranked preferences on the Common Application Form, regardless of the status of the schools or academy they wish to apply to. The form will also give parents the opportunity to give reasons – particularly for faith schools – for their preferences.
Individual school admission authorities (Voluntary Aided and Foundation) may use separate supplementary forms to collect additional information, but all applicants must still complete a Common Application Form.
Of most importance is the earlier application dates. All completed Common Application Forms will need to be returned to Gloucestershire County Council – secondaries by 31 October 2010 and primary/infants by 15 January 2011. These are the same timescales for all local authorities throughout the country.
Parents who wish to enter their children for a grammar school must also complete a separate Standard Grammar Test Registration Form. This should be returned to the school where they wish the test to be taken by 12 noon on 1 October. The entrance exam will take place on 9 October 2010 and results will be sent to parents on 15 October. This means that they will know the result before the deadline for the Common Application Form.
Pupils with a statement of Special Educational Needs will be admitted to the school named on their statement. Wherever possible, the allocation will be made before any other places are offered.
Notification of the outcome of each application will given via the county council on 1 March 2011for secondaries and 26 April 2011 for primaries/infants.
Gloucestershire County Council’s Choice Adviser, Grace Jose, is available to guide parents who are struggling with the primary and secondary school admissions process. She can be contacted on Freephone 0800 9888 042 or email choiceadvice@gloucestershire.gov.uk
