Parents are being reminded that the deadline for applications for primary school admissions is looming.

Applications for pupils starting in reception in September 2023 close on 15 January and should be made online where possible. The online application process is quick, simple, safe, secure and ensures the fastest response time.

Parents can express up to five school preferences on the application form including schools outside the Dudley Local Authority. Parents are encouraged to use all the five preferences and must complete an application form in order to ensure a place.

Applications should be made online by midnight on 15 January 2023. Paper submissions must be with the school admission’s team by 5pm on 15 January 2023.

Decision emails will be sent to parents after 2pm on 17 April 2023, decision letters for people who made a paper applications will be sent out by 2nd class post on 17 April 2023. Any appeals will be heard in June/July 2023. Councillor Ruth Buttery, cabinet member for children and young people said:

“The online application process is really quick and simple and allows parents to select up to five schools for their child. We advise parents to take advantage of this and use all five preferences.

“We recommend that parents submit their application online rather than on paper as this way it’s safe, secure and they can be certain it has been received as we confirm every application via email.

“It also means they’ll hear the outcome more quickly as we issue all email decisions on the afternoon of 17 April 2023.”

Full details of how to apply and a link to the portal can be found online at dudley.gov.uk.