Starting School

If you have a child under 5 years of age you may be wondering how to get them registered for school. 

Here in Southampton all four-year olds can begin in a reception class (Year R) in the September of the school year in which they become five.  The school year currently runs from 1st September to August 31st , so

If you child was born between     They will start school in 
    

1st September 2002 - 31st August 2003    September 2007

1st September 2003 - 31st August 2004   September 2008

1st September 2003 - 31st August 2005   September 2009

Depending when your child's birthday is during the school year depends on how soon they will be in school full time.

The law says that you have the right to express a preference for the school you want your child to go to but this is not a free and open-ended choice.  The Local Education Authority (Southampton City Council)  must do everything it can to meet your preference but this must also be within the limits of efficient education and the efficient use of resources.
If you want to find out more about particular schools, each one provides a prospectus or brochure for interested parents. Apart from information about the school such as opening times, school uniform etc, the prospectus will give details of the school's admissions policy and results of the Key Stage 1 tests which pupils take when they are about 7.  Children starting school in the City will either attend an infant school, (which takes children aged 4 to 7) , or a primary school, which takes children aged from 4 to 11.  Children who attend an infant school normally transfer to a junior school at age 7 until they reach 11.  Many Infant and Junior Schools share the same site. 

How Do I Apply?

Look out for a letter about applying for a school place which you should receive in August. Brochures and blank applications will be available at Infant and Primary Schools from September, one year before your child is due to start.  You will also be able to apply online in September.

If your child is due to start school in September 2008 you will need to return the application form to your first choice school by the closing date of 16th November 2007. You will be notified of the outcome of your application in early March 2008. 

It is very important to return the form by the deadline as this will have an effect on your child's chance of attending the school of your choice.

What if I don't receive any information about school admissions?
If you have moved into the area fairly recently, or if your child hasn't attended a local pre-school, you should go to your local school and pick up a Pack, or contact the Admissions Team at the City Council.  If it gets to September and you haven't had a letter from the Admissions Team, contact them at  5th Floor, Frobisher House, Nelson Gate, Southampton, SO15 1BZ.  Tel: 023 8083  4967 or 8083 2125 or 8083 4126.  Or email school.admissions@southampton.gov.uk

The Admissions Team also publishes a brochure called Starting School, which is included in the Application Pack.  The brochure tells you about how education is organised in the City and how to apply for a place in Reception year.  It also gives brief information about each school and the number of children each school can admit. 

What if I don't know where I'll be living in a year's time?
You may be expecting to move to a different part of the City before your child actually starts school.  Even if this is the case you should STILL complete and return the form by the closing date.  If you move house at a later date, you may be able to transfer schools, depending on spaces being available but it is important to get your child "into the system".

Where can I get more information?
Click here to see the Admission Policies and Arrangements for 2007-08