Parents of toddlers in Pembrokeshire are being notified of a major change to school admission application dates. Currently, parents need to apply for school admission the term before their child is due to start. But that's all set to change under a new policy. Clr. Islwyn Howells explained: "The deadline for receipt of applications for admission to primary schools will change for pupils starting school in January 2007 or later. "There will be just one admission date a year - April 30 - instead of three." Parents of pupils due to start school in January, April or September will now need to apply for a place in writing by the previous April 30. Applications for pupils to start school during the 2007 calendar year will therefore need to be made by April 30, 2006. Applications for admission during the 2008 calendar year will be required by April 30, 2007 and so on. All applications received for a particular school are considered together following the deadline. In the event of the school receiving more applications than there are places available, the published admission criteria are applied in order to decide which applicants get places. Applications made in writing have priority. "The new arrangement has been introduced to enable all applicants to receive equitable treatment and to assist head teachers in class organisation, staff planning and budgeting," said Clr. Howells, cabinet member for children, young people, Welsh language and learning. "A single date for receipt of admissions applications has been successfully piloted in Pembrokeshire at Ysgol Glan Cleddau, Saundersfoot CP School and Templeton CP School since September 2002. "Following further consultation with all schools and the agreement of Pembrokeshire's Admissions Forum, Pembrokeshire County Council has agreed to implement the single admission application date for all primary schools from January 2007 onwards." Schools will continue to admit pupils on a termly basis as at present. Further information and admission application forms can be obtained from local schools or the admissions officer at County Hall (tel. 01437 775030) or on the council's website http://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/education">www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/education.
