The school admissions application rounds for new reception and junior school places in September 2019 are now open.

The application deadline is January 15 and Cornwall Council is urging families to submit application forms by this date to give children the best possible chance of being placed at their preferred school.

Parents who miss the application deadline reduce their chances of getting one of their preferred schools.

Parents with a child born between 1 September 2014 and 31 August 2015 will need to apply for a reception school place for September 2019, whilst those with a child who is currently in year two at an infant-only school will need to apply for a place in year three at a junior school for September 2019.

This year, 95 per cent of parents in Cornwall were offered a place for their child at their first preference school and nearly 99 per cent were offered a place in one of their top three.

However late applications are always a concern for the Council as they reduce the chances of families getting a preferred school.The School Admissions team, in partnership with the Family Information Service, is working hard to get the message out to families. Extra help is available from for those who struggle with the process through the Family Information Service.

Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for children and wellbeing, Sally Hawken said: ‘Starting school or transferring to junior school are important milestones for families and we want to make applying for a place as easy as possible. Visiting the school you prefer is a good opportunity to meet teachers and pupils and ask lots of practical questions to help get your child ready for their first day and help them to adjust to a whole new routine.’

There is detailed information about schools admissions on the Cornwall Council website and an adviser can be contacted on 0800 5878191 or at [email protected]