Welcome to Secondary School Places

Admission Arrangements Consultation

Swindon Borough Council is consulting on all admission arrangements for the admission of pupils for 2010-11 for community and Voluntary Controlled schools for which it is the admission Authority. The proposed Admission Arrangements for both Primary and Secondary Admissions for Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools can be viewed by clicking on the links below:

Primary Co-ordinated Scheme 2010/2011

Secondary Co-ordinated Scheme 2010/2011

Further information may be obtained from:

Admissions Manager
Children’s Services
Sanford House
Sanford Street
Swindon
SN1 1QH
Telephone: 01793 465769
Email: efry@swindon.gov.uk

Any response to the consultation should be submitted before 1 March 2009 to the Admissions Manager at the above address, or via email efry@swindon.gov.uk

Please note that the consultation does not include proposed admission arrangements for Voluntary Aided or Foundation schools or the Swindon Academy. The consultation for those arrangements is being held by the individual school and copies of their arrangements should be obtained directly from the school or Academy.

Applying for a school place in a Secondary school.

This section is aimed at parents with children, who in September 2009 will move up to Secondary school.

How do I apply?

You can save time by using the Online Application System (opens in a new window)

Alternatively, you can contact your local school, or the Admissions Team, to obtain a Secondary Admissions Guide or click on the link below:

Admissions Team,
Sanford House,
Sanford Street,
Swindon,
SN1 1QH

Telephone (01793) 445500.

This information is intended to help parents make an informed decision about which school they wish their child to attend and how to apply for a place.

We try to make sure that as many pupils as possible are offered a place at one of their preferred schools. At all stages of the process the Admissions Team will do everything they can to provide you with further information and support.

You must make sure that we receive your application by the 24^th October 2008.

Before making an application we ask that parents and carers carefully read our Secondary Admissions Guide, which is attached below:

Secondary Admissions Guide

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School Food Trust Advert

Secondary School Designated Areas

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I apply?

You can apply for a place for September 2008 from September 2007 by using the online system. Paper applications within the Secondary Admissions Guide are also available from your child’s primary or junior school, or from the Admissions Team. It is your responsibility to make sure you get a form and send it back to us. Remember - the closing date for applications is 24^th October 2008.

Can I choose a school?

You can request a place in up to three schools, listing them in order of preference on your application.

Do I have to apply?

Yes, if you want your child to be considered for a place at a school. Even if you want a place at your local school, or, you already have a child at the school, you should fill in the application  form. If you do not make an application, your child may be allocated a place at a school that is not one of your preferred schools.

Will my child be accepted for a place at my preferred school?

This will depend upon the number of applications the school receives and the number of places available. Priority for places will be determined by the admission criteria for the school in question.

What happens if there are too many applications for the number of places available?

Priority for places is given by the admission criteria for the school in question.

What are the criteria?

The admission policies for all schools can be found in the Secondary Admissions Guide. Some schools have different criteria and you should check these carefully before applying to assess your chances.

Should I look at the admission criteria before I give my preference?

We strongly recommend this. You are advised to consider carefully whether you meet the admission criteria set for the school. We always recommend that you should list your nearest community school, by straight line measurement, as one of your three preferences.

Can I apply for a school place in another Local Authority?

Yes. There are three councils that border Swindon, these are Gloucestershire (www.gloucestershire.gov.uk) , Oxfordshire (www.oxfordshire.gov.uk) and Wiltshire (www.wiltshire.gov.uk) . If you live in Swindon but wish to apply for a school in one of these areas, or any other, you are still required to apply through Swindon and use the same form for all schools.

What if I have a particular reason for wanting to go to my preferred school?

You should mention this on the application form or write a letter explaining the circumstances.

What else should I look at before deciding?

You could read the Secondary Admissions Guide.This contains more detailed information on what to think about before making your application and provides you with information that may help you. You can get a copy of the school’s prospectus and go to their open days.

What happens if my application is late?

We will try to offer you a school that you named on the application form but the schools may already be full. If this is the case we will offer you the nearest school that has places available.

When do I find out which school my child has got a place at?

All parents are notified on the 2^nd March 2009.

What should I do if I decide not to take up the school place?

You should let the Admissions Team know as that place could be offered to another pupil.

How can I appeal?

If we do not offer your child a place at one of your preferred schools you appeal to an independent appeal panel. An application form for appeal can be sent to you, please contact the Admissions Team.