Reception applications
All applications must be received by us by 15 January 2023. When posting a paper application allow enough time for the application to reach us by the closing date. Any applications received after this date will be treated as a late application unless we consider that there are good reasons for the application being late.
Late applications and late changes
Where late applications are received for places at aided schools, free schools or academies in Cheshire West and Chester, the Local Authority will notify the admission authority that the application has been received late. Parents and carers are responsible for notifying the Authority of the reasons for a late application.
Any applications received after the closing date of 15 January 2023 that do not provide reasons for consideration by 20 February 2023 will be treated as late applications and considered after all on-time applications.
How will my application be considered?
Once an application is received by the Local Authority, a process will be applied:
• Details on the application will be checked against any data already held by the Local authority. If we find a discrepancy between the data stated on the application and the data held verification may be required. If you indicate that there is a sibling already attending the preferred school on your application and the address we hold for the sibling is different to the address stated on the application, a ‘sibling’ criteria will not be assigned. Ensure that the school holds the most up to date information to avoid any complications.
• Preferences received for Aided Schools, Academies and Free Schools will be forwarded to the relevant admission authority together with any additional information for their consideration
• Preferences for other English Local Authority Schools will be forwarded to the relevant authority for their consideration
• A criteria is assigned for each preference by the relevant admission authority based on the information stated on your application. Please see Section 3 for the oversubscription criteria for each school. Please note the policy may have changed from previous years.
What happens if I need to amend my application?
Once your application has been downloaded by the admission team, you cannot make any changes to your application using the parent portal.
If your circumstances change and you need to amend your application you will need to contact the admissions team.
School preference changes can be made providing you have contacted us before the closing date of 15 January 2023 stating your reasons for your change of preferences.
When will I know the outcome of my application?
Offers for primary school places will be posted out on the 17 April 2023 to those parents/carers who have applied using a paper application.
If you applied online you will receive your offer by email and you can log on to your account to view the school place offered on 17 April 2023.
| Date of late application: | Outcome by: |
|---|---|
| between 16 January 2023 and 16 April 2023 | 17 May 2023 |
| between 17 April 2023 and 16 May 2023 | 17 June 2023 |
| between 17 May 2023 and 16 June 2023 | 17 July 2023 |
| between 17 June 2023 and 16 July 2023 | 17 August 2023 |
| between 17 July 2023 and 16 August 2023 | 31 August 20223 |
Voluntary (church aided) school applications
If you name a church aided schools as a preference they may request written confirmation of religious commitment, e.g. by means of a letter of support from a church minister or for admission to Catholic schools, evidence of baptism.