Torbay Council is reminding parents with children who are due to start primary school in September 2017 that the deadline for applications for school places is Sunday 15 January 2017.

Parents who have a child born between 1 September 2012 and 31 August 2013 can either apply online on the apply for a place at a primary school page or complete a paper form. Information about starting primary school can be found in the free booklet TIPS 8, Primary and Secondary Admissions and primary supplement.

The booklet and supplement can be downloaded from the apply for a place at a primary school page and paper copies are also available from Torbay’s Connections office, primary schools or can be requested by telephoning Torbay Children’s Services on 01803 208908.

Here is some key information:

• Applications must be made on the common application form, even if one or more preferences are for a school in Devon. Any previous application that parents may have made directly to a school will not be considered.
• Even if there is an older child at the preferred school or the child attends a nursery at the school, parents must still apply for a school place using the common application form.
• Applications received after Sunday 15 January 2017 will not be considered in the initial round of allocations.
• Parents will receive notification of the place allocated to their child on Tuesday 18 April if they apply online and have requested to be notified by email, or by letter posted on Tuesday 18 April if not or if they complete a paper form.

Torbay Council's Executive Lead for Adults and Children, Councillor, Julien Parrott, said: "I strongly encourage parents with children due to start primary school in September to get their applications in as soon as they can. The application deadline is on Sunday 15 January which is not a long time away. Applying online is the quickest and easiest way to fill out and submit your applications. Torbay has a transparent and fair application system for primary schools admissions. This is fully explained in the TIPS booklet."

Torbay Council admissions officers are available to help parents through the admissions process. Parents can telephone 01803 208908 or email pupil.services@torbay.gov.uk