Luton parents warned as secondary school application deadline looms this week

If you’re a parent of a pupil in Year 6, you only have until tomorrow (Saturday, October 31) to apply for a secondary school place for September 2021.

You must apply for a school place even if:

- you have already made an earlier application direct to the school

- your preferred school is not in Luton

- your preferred school is a faith school, a foundation school, an academy or a free school.

To assist you with completing your application the council has created a ‘How to Apply for a School Place for September 2021 Guide’ which is available to view online.The quickest way to apply for a school place is online at www.luton.gov.uk/admissions and by following the step-by-step instructions.

You also get an automatic confirmation to show your application has been submitted and the added bonus of being able to change your preference at any time up to the 31 October closing date.

If you apply online, there is no need to complete a paper application. If you specify Cardinal Newman Catholic School when applying online, you must also download a copy of the school’s supplementary form and provide your child’s original baptismal certificate.

Your completed application must be submitted by 31 October 2020. Late applications will not be considered until after all applications submitted on time are reviewed.

Cllr Aslam Khan, Portfolio Holder for education, said: “It’s important you apply for a secondary school place by the deadline to give you a better chance of getting your first choice.

"We will endeavour to meet your first preference, however we would advise parents to refer to our guide, which provides useful information about schools and also the admission criteria, which will help you in making realistic choices.

“Don’t forget the quickest and easiest way to apply is to do it is online. If you haven’t already done so, please do not delay, apply now for a school place.”