Where can I read the Admissions to Primary School Booklet?
When is my child due to start school?
Children start school in Bury in the September after their 4th birthday.
How & when do I apply for a place?
You need to put your child’s name down at a primary school in the Bury area by the September after their 3rd birthday. This will make sure you will get an information pack & an application form. These will be sent out to you in the November before your child is due to start school.
Can I register at more than one school?
You can register at more than one school, but there is no benefit to you to do so. You will only be considered for places at the schools you put on the application form.
Is there a list of schools available?A list is available from the Children’s Services Office, Athenaeum House, Market Street, Bury. It is also included in the information booklet which will be sent to you in November or via the
primary schools information web page.
Is there a limit to class sizes?
Legislation states that infant class sizes can be no more than 30.
Will my child automatically transfer from nursery to primary school?
No. Even if your child is in the nursery class of a primary school, you
must apply in the same way as other parents, and your application will be considered against the policy for the school applied for. Policies
cannot give priority to children in nursery classes of a primary school. Follow this link for admission criteria for Bury primary schools:
Admissions to Primary School Booklet 2009 (951kb, 40 page pdf).
Does my child have to go to school in the local area?
You can apply to any school in any area. You do need to check the policy for admission, as living further away from some schools will affect your chances of getting a place.
How can I tell if a school is performing well?Achievement and attainment tables are available from the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) on 0800 24 33 22 or on the
DCSF website. Inspection reports on schools are available from the
Ofsted website or through the links on Bury’s website.
What if my child has Special Educational Needs?You need to discuss your child's need with the
SEN team of your home Local Authority (LA) but places cannot be refused because of your child's special educational needs.
What if I apply late?
Most schools will consider applications received on time before they will consider late applications. Places may already have been offered, so your chances of being offered a school you want may be less.
When do I get to know if a place has been offered?
It is intended that offers will be posted out from this office in April 2008.
What happens if I don't get a place?
There is an appeals process in place. Firstly, your child will continue to be considered for any places which become available. If a place is still not available, you have the right to go to an independent appeals panel.
All of the above is explained in greater detail in the information booklet which will be sent to you in the November before your child is due to start school.
