ON September 12, 2023, the application window for school admissions opens. 

The secondary school application window closes October 31, 2023. For primary school places, however, you have until January 15, 2024, to apply and for those children due to start primary school in September 2024, a whole new world of learning, playing, friendships and fun is about to begin!

Do not panic! You do not have to apply straight away! School places are not allocated on a first come first served basis. This means that you have plenty of time to make the right decision for your family.

There is so much choice across our area that for many, gone are the days when you just choose the local school on your doorstep. 

There are so many things to consider. Small school or large school? Is it close enough to walk to? Do the school have good plans in place for children who need more support? Do you agree with the schools values and beliefs? Are they active in sports, arts, or community – something that interests my child? The list is endless… 

You may have already talked to other parents, looked on social media and visited the website, but the best thing that you can do is to visit the schools on your shortlist.

Depending on the school, you could attend a no-commitment tour, open day or arrange an individual visit. This is a great opportunity to meet the teachers, see the facilities and get a feel for the school's atmosphere.

Parents have told us that despite being sure beforehand, they changed their first choice school following a visit and meeting the headteacher and have not regretted their decision one bit!

Following your school visits, if you are doubting your decision but have already applied, you can change your mind on school preference right up until 11:59pm on ‘National Closing Day’.

If the visit has confirmed that you want to apply to the school but you are unable to navigate the system or have problems accessing the internet then your chosen school will be happy to help you. Just call the school office and arrange to pop in.

All schools have an agreed number of places available each year and we publish admission arrangements on all of our websites or you can go to www.extendlearning.org/admissions and visit the North Somerset Council website.

Extend Learning Academies Network or ELAN for short, is made up of nine primary schools: Banwell, Bournville, Locking, Oldmixon, Mead Vale, Mendip Green, Milton Park, Walliscote and Windwhistle.

Laura Latham Elmont, ELAN.