for parents planning to enrol their children at a Wandsworth school in September 2009
The meetings, which are being held at Wandsworth town hall's civic suite, will give parents the chance to ask questions and learn more about the secondary school admissions process.
Even though secondary schools have only just started the current academic year, preparations for next September's intake have already started.
The deadline for people wishing to apply to a secondary school is Friday, October 24. Parents of children living in Wandsworth must submit their application to the town hall by this date. Those living elsewhere must apply to their home borough by the same date.
This deadline applies to parents of children who were born between September 1, 1997 and August 31, 1998.
Parents are able to list up to six state schools in any part of the London on the same application form. This form is being provided to the families of all children who have just begun their final year at primary school. Applications can also be made online at www.wandsworth.gov.uk/admissions.
To assist parents in making their decisions, and to give further information on how the admissions process works, the council has published a detailed brochure called 'Choose a Wandsworth Secondary School' which is now being distributed to parents of Year 6 primary pupils.
The brochure is full of helpful and useful information about the borough's 11 state-funded secondary schools and their admissions criteria. It also contains details on other schools in neighbouring borough's which are close to the borough's boundaries and within easy travelling distance.
Copies can also be obtained by emailing admissions@wandsworth.gov.uk or by telephoning Pupil Services on (020) 8871 8265/8318/6224. Staff on those numbers can also help with any other queries parents and carers may have. The brochure and other helpful information about the application process can also be found at www.wandsworth.gov.uk/admissions.
All parents will be informed of the outcome of their applications on the same date – March 2, 2009.
Executive member for children and young people Cllr Kathy Tracey said: "There are many good secondary schools to choose from in Wandsworth and we want to do all we can to help parents make the right choice for their children.
"That is why we have arranged these two important public meetings, where parents can ask any question that's on their mind, and why we have also produced a very helpful brochure that contains a wealth of information about our local schools and offers a step-by-step guide to the applications process.
"In the weeks leading up to October 24 you should take every opportunity to visit individual schools. You will be able to speak to staff and form your own opinion of the school’s suitability for your son or daughter. It is also very important to read the admissions criteria for the schools you are interested in, to get an idea of whether your child is likely to be offered a place.
"The London-wide applications system means that wherever you live, you can list up to six schools on a single form. These do not all have to be schools in the borough where you live - although it is always a good idea to include at least one that is close to home."
September 5, 2008
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