Applications open for primary school places

Parents can now apply to Derbyshire County Council for their child's infant, junior or primary school place for September 2021.

Applications for children who were born between 1 September 2016 and 31 August 2017 are now open and will close at midnight on Friday 15 January 2021.

Parents can also apply during the same period for junior school places for children born between 1 September 2013 and 31 August 2014 who are currently in Year 2 at an infant school and will transfer on to other schools in September 2021.

Online applications are being encouraged, which can be done via the school admissions section of the county council’s website at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/admissions. 

Cllr Alex Dale, Cabinet Member for Young People, said: "It’s now time for parents to apply for their child’s infant, junior or primary school place for September 2021.

“Choosing the right school is a big and important decision so we’re urging parents to consider all of their options early on and apply before the deadline.

“Parents who miss the deadline are less likely to get a place for their child at their preferred school which could mean having to travel further or their child not getting into the same school as their friends.”

Online applications also allow parents to make changes to their application at any point up to the closing date. Anyone who applies online will receive an email to confirm their application has been received.

When completing the application form parents will be asked to list, in order of preference, the three schools they would most like their child to go to.

Visits and open days aren't taking place this year but parents are being encouraged to look at each school’s website for more information to help them with their decision. 

Parents who do not have access to the internet can Call Derbyshire on 01629 533190 to apply between 8am and 8pm on weekdays and 9.30am and 4pm on Saturdays.

Parents unable to access the online or telephone application services should email the admissions and transport team at admissions.transport@derbyshire.gov.uk or call 01629 537499.

Although parents have a legal right to express preferences, they have no automatic right to a place at any particular school.

Applications submitted to the council after the deadline will not be considered until places have been allocated to those children whose parents did return their form on time.

Any parents who are a refused a place for their child have a right of appeal to an independent panel. Parents can apply for their child’s place online at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/admissions