Torbay Council is reminding parents with children who are due to start primary school in September 2015 that the deadline for applications for school places is Thursday 15 January 2015.

Parents who have a child born between 1 September 2010 and 31 August 2011 can either apply online at www.torbay.gov.uk/primary-school-admissions or complete a paper form. Information about starting primary school can be found in the comprehensive free booklet TIPS 5, Primary Admissions 2015/16. The booklet can be downloaded from the council’s website and paper copies are also available from Connections offices, primary schools or can be requested by telephoning Torbay Children’s Services on 01803 208908.

Here is some key information:

• Applications must be made on the common application form even if one or more preferences is for a school in Devon. Any previous application that parents may have made directly to a school will not be considered.
• Even if there is an older child at the preferred school or the child attends a nursery at the school parents must still apply for a school place using the common application form.
• Applications received after Thursday 15 January 2015 will not be considered in the initial round of allocations.
• Parents will receive notification of the place allocated to their child on Thursday 16 April after noon if they apply online and have requested to be notified by email, or by letter posted on Thursday 16 April if not or if they complete a paper form.

Torbay Council's Executive Lead for Children, Schools and Families, Councillor, Ken Pritchard, said: "I would urge all parents with children who are due to start primary school in September next year to apply for a school place now. The deadline for applications is only a week away and the quickest and easiest way for parents to apply is online.

"Torbay has a transparent and fair application system for primary schools admissions and this is fully explained in the TIPS booklet."

Torbay Council admissions officers are available to help parents through the admissions process. Parents can telephone 01803 208908 or email pupil.services@torbay.gov.uk