1. Year 6 Parents’ Meeting Secondary School Admissions

2. This is a very important time for you and your child as you start to consider making an application for a secondary school place for September 2014.

3. We encourage you to apply online at www.essex.gov.uk/admissions
Q: When can I apply?
A: Now!
We encourage you to apply online at
at your convenience by
31st October 2013.

4. Q: Why apply online?
The online system is open 24/7 during the application period
You will receive an confirmation of your application
You can make changes to your preferences online until the closing date
You will receive the result of your application by on the offer day
You can access details of all Essex maintained schools and academies and their admissions policies
You can see a full copy of the Secondary Education in Essex 2014/2015 booklet with detailed information about the application process

5. Q: What if I don’t have access to the Internet?
A: Don’t panic!
If you need a paper application form you can call to request one or ask in the School Office.

6. Q: Do I need to apply? A: YES!
It is up to you what schools you place on your application and the order you place them in.
You should put the schools in the order you really want them because a place will be offered at the highest ranked preference that can be met when considered against the admissions criteria for the schools.

7. Q: How many schools can I pick?
A: Six – this is different to previous years!
We strongly recommend you use all of your 6 preferences to give yourself maximum opportunity to be considered for a place at a school you want. We also recommend that you list your local school, if you have one, as one of your preferences to help avoid a situation where you might be offered a place at a school several miles from your home.

8. Remember…..
Applying for more than one school does not in any way reduce your chances of being offered your highest preference, so please aim to use all your preferences.
Some schools, like Church schools, require you to send an additional form to them, called a Supplementary Information Form (SIF). SIF forms must be returned directly to the school as well as applying to the Local Authority.

9. Q: What if I am considering applying for a selective Grammar School?
A: For the selective grammar schools, you must name these schools on the common application form you submit to the Local Authority. You must also register by completing the SIF for these schools and submit it to the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE) so that arrangements to sit the 11+ test can be made.

10. Q: What should I do now? A: Visit the schools.
All secondary schools have open days or evenings when parents and children can visit schools and look around and get key information.

11. Anglo European School Open Evening- Thursday 26th September 2013
5:00 – 8:30p.m.

12. Becket Keys Church of England School
Open Mornings/Evening-
Tuesday 17th September, Wednesday 25th September and Thursday 3rd October 2013
Open Mornings – 9:15 – 11:00a.m.
Open Evenings – 5:00 – 7:00p.m.

13. Brentwood County High School
Open Day-
Saturday 28th September 2013
10:30 – 3:00p.m.

14. Brentwood Ursuline Convent High School
Open Evening-
Thursday 3rd October 2013
6:30 – 9:00p.m.
Open Mornings-
10th/11th October 2013
9:30 – 11:00a.m.
(You might want a reference for BUCHS – I can help! £10 for School Funds please)

15. Shenfield High School Open Evening- Open Mornings-
Tuesday 1st October 2013
5:00 – 8:00p.m.
Open Mornings-
8th/14th October 2013
9:05 – 10:50a.m.

16. St. Martin’s School Open Evening- Thursday 10th October 2013
6:00 – 9:00p.m.

17. Brentwood School Open Day- Saturday 5th October 2013 9:30 – 1:30p.m.
(You might want a reference for Brentwood School – I can help! £10 for School Funds please)

18. Q: What is happening on March 3rd 2014?
A: Secondary Allocation Day!
Check your if applying on-line.
All applications for schools have to be considered against the admissions arrangements and oversubscription criteria for each school.

19. Late Applications!
Applications made after the closing date of 31st October 2013 will be treated as late and therefore dealt with after all on time applications have been processed. It is absolutely vital you apply on time!

20. Moving House?
If you move house before or during the admissions process, you must tell LA Planning & Admissions immediately by or by letter and provide evidence of your new address.
Please do not just change your address on your online application without letting them know by or letter as well.

21. Q: What if we don’t get in? A: ???
Don’t panic!
93.4% get 1st or 2nd choice – eventually (higher here)
If you are refused a place at a school of your preference, you will have the right to appeal to an independent panel for a place.
There is no guarantee of success with any appeal and full details about how to appeal will be made clearer in the decision letter that is posted on 3rd March 2014.

22. A Useful Telephone Number: 0845 603 2200
Essex County Council Choice Advice Service