Primary Schools
By law, a parent must arrange for their child to start school at the beginning of the term following their fifth birthday, unless they have made other suitable arrangements. In Stockport, arrangements are made for all children aged 4+ to start school in one reception intake in September.
All applications are considered on the basis of the Principal Parent Home address and a place in a nursery class does not guarantee a place at the same school in the Reception class.
For more information you can request the comprehensive guide ‘How to Apply for a Place at Primary School: Information for Parents / Carers 2010/11’ from the Admissions Support and Advice Team, Telephone 0161 217 6028. The guide is also available by selecting Primary Education on www.stockport.gov.uk/schooladmissions
If you require any help in matters related to applying for a primary school place for your child, speak to staff at your local school or telephone the Admissions Team Helpline on the above telephone number.
Secondary School Admissions
In early August, parents of children moving into Year 6 in September receive a letter from Stockport Admissions Team explaining how to apply for their child’s secondary school place. They can apply on line or on paper, and their application should be returned before the closing date, towards the end of October, to ensure the best chance of gaining a place at their preferred school. They will then receive a letter in early March with a school place offer. If they are not offered a place at their preferred school they have the right to appeal to an independent appeal panel (see below). More information about applying for a secondary school place in Stockport is on Stockport Council’s website:
Changing schools
If you are new to the Stockport area or have moved to a different part of Stockport contact the Admissions Support and Advice Team for information on school places. There is more information on the transfer process on the council website (see below).
If you are experiencing difficulties at your child’s current primary school you should in the first instance make an appointment to go into school and discuss the difficulties with your child’s teacher or form tutor. If you still want your child to move schools there is more information on the Stockport Council website:
http://www.stockport.gov.uk/services/education/educationtrainingandemployment/schooladmissions3
Alternatively contact the Admissions Support and Advice Team:
Tel: 0161 217 6028
Email: admissions.support@stockport.gov.uk
If you are unhappy with your current school and need independent advice contact ACE – Advisory Centre for Education:
http://www.ace-ed.org.uk/
School Appeals
If you are not offered a place for your child at your preferred schools you have the right to appeal for a place at either or all of your preferred schools. For more information on how to appeal look at the council website:
For independent guidance on the appeal process and how to prepare your appeal contact ACE – Advisory Centre for Education:
Ofsted – A new voice for parents
On 20th October 2011 Ofsted launched Parent View, a new online questionnaire that will allow parents and carers to give their views on their child’s school at any time of the year. Covering over 22,000 schools across England, the 12-question survey will help other parents as they make important choices about their child’s education and provide Ofsted with information about schools that will help inform priorities for inspection. Have a look at the website for more information and to take part. http://www.parentview.ofsted.gov.uk/
For Information on education in Neighbouring Authorities
Cheshire East
http://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/education_and_learning/schools/admissions.aspx
Tel: 0300 1235012
Fax: 01270 686491
Email: admissions@cheshireeast.gov.uk
Derbyshire
http://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/education/schools_colleges/school_admissions/
Tel: 08 456 058 058 or 01629 533190. Text: 86555 Fax: 01629 533295
Minicom: 01629 533240
Email: contact.centre@derbyshire.gov.uk
Manchester
Tel: 0161 234 7188
Fax: 0161 234 7255
Email: school.admissions@manchester.gov.uk
Trafford
http://www.trafford.gov.uk/educationandlearning/schooladmissions/
Tel: 0161 912 5007
Email: school.admissions@trafford.gov.uk
Tameside
http://www.tameside.gov.uk/schools/admissions
Tel: 0161 342 3208
Useful websites
www.stockport.gov.uk, you can look at the admissions process for Stockport (put ‘admissions’ in the search box at the top, for catchment areas for each secondary school (put ‘catchment’ in the search box), and for schools (put ‘educational institutions’ in the search box) then follow links through to each school’s website.
www.ofsted.gov.uk, you can look at the Ofsted reports for schools, Ofsted inspect all local authority schools. Type the school’s name in the search box at the top.
www.bbc.co.uk and search for league tables. Or follow the links: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/league_tables/default.stm http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/weblinks/parents.shtml
www.ace-ed.org The Advisory Centre for Education (ACE) is a national charity that provides independent advice for parents and carers of children aged 5-16 in state-funded education. ACE aims to provide the information, support and high-quality advice that parents need to help their children at school, particularly where there are problems. This is a link to their booklets: http://www.ace-ed.org.uk/advice-about-education-for-parents/advice-booklets/applying-for-a-school.htm
www.isc.co.uk Independent Schools Council Information Service – provides information and advice for parents interested in an independent school education for their children. Tel: 0845 724 6657. Fax: 020 7766 7071. Email: information@isc.co.uk
http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/leadership/typesofschools/independent/b009053/registration-of-independent-schools Department for Education information on choosing an independent school
http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/performancetables/ for information on schools achievement and attainment tables.
www.gmpte.com For information on public transport routes and times. Maps/leaflets of bus routes available on the website or through the helpline. Also have information on the school bus service. Traveline: 0871 200 2233. Mon-Fri 7am to 8pm. Sat, Sun, Bank hols 8am to 8pm. GMPTE Enquiry Line: 0161 228 7811. The website can be tricky to use, but the help lines are very useful.
