Parents who have children due to start primary school later this year will be anxiously awaiting the opening of the application process on Tuesday.
It can seem like a daunting experience for many, especially if this is your first child going through it, and myths and rumours around applying help no one.
So we consulted Mandy White, head teacher of Grange Park Primary School in Bangor to ask her for her top tips for parents and to help dispel the many non truths around the process.
READ MORE: How to apply for NI school places for September 2023
The online portal opens for applications at 12noon on January 10, 2023 and closes at 12 noon on January 27. It is very important you do not miss the deadline or your application will be considered late.
Speaking to Belfast Live, Miss White answered a number of queries that parents often have around the process of applying for their child's primary school place.
"The only way to get into a primary school is to make an application," she said.
"It does not matter if you had your child's name down in the school as soon as they were born. Schools can only admit pupils by applying their criteria. Applications should be made via the online portal, however, if this isn't possible contact the school for a paper application.
"Don't panic. The process is very structured, and the majority of children get placed in a suitable school. The Education Authority have excellent guidance on their website which will help you with the process.
"There are many great primary schools in Northern Ireland. Visit them on Open Days and talk to friends who have children in those schools. Remember that your child is unique and it is important to find the school that is the best fit for them. Bring your child with you when you visit.
"Don't be afraid to ask questions-schools should be happy to respond. If your child has special needs, ask to chat with the SENCO to see how the school can meet the needs of your child."
We asked Miss White a series of questions and put some myths to her as well, below she answers some of the burning questions parents have when it comes to the application process for primary schools in Northern Ireland.
MYTH - I need to be logged on at 12noon on Jan 10 to make sure I get in there first. First come first served I hear
Miss White said: "Definitely not. Social media will encourage people to log on and apply quickly as this will give them a better chance, however this is completely untrue. Boards of Governors will not even consider the applications until after the deadline has passed. With the number of parents from all over Northern Ireland trying to get online at once , the system will invariably crash, resulting in frustration and panic. My advice- wait at least 24 hours. You have plenty of time-just don't miss the deadline.
QUERY - Should I be tactical when it comes to what order I put schools in?
Miss White said: "This is where nursery and primary can differ. Primary schools should not be using preference as part of their criteria therefore there is absolutely no need to be tactical. Put the schools in the order that you want them and you can't lose out. People at times don't put a popular school that they really want down first as they feel it might be over subscribed. This is the wrong thing to do-you can't lose out in putting them in the order you want unless the criteria states "preference".
"Nursery schools do often have preference criteria so look carefully at how you meet the criteria of each school before deciding on your order. If you aren't sure, speak to the Principal."
MYTH - I only need to put one school down because my child is guaranteed a spot due to low birth year/older sibling
Miss White said: "You should put at least four schools down. Most, schools will have "siblings" as their first criteria so if one child is in the rest will follow, however you have nothing to lose by playing safe and putting down four."
QUERY - Can you explain the way the process works and why it takes so long for the places to be announced. How spots can change at the last moment and how someone you put your first choice down as their second choice can still trump you on getting a place in some circumstances
Miss White: "Schools will consider their first preference applications by applying their criteria. If they are oversubscribed, they will reject those who have not been selected and these applications will go to their second preference. Their second preference school may already have provisionally selected their full quota from first preference applications , however, if second, third or fourth preferences are higher up their criteria then they will be selected and a first preference application rejected. As a change in one school creates a dominos effect with other schools, the process is constantly changing, sometimes right up until the letters to parents are sent. This is why the process takes so long."
QUERY - What information do parents need to hand for the application - what essential information do parents need to include in their application
Miss White said: "Parents should have the child's birth certificate ready to upload however if you cant find it or are waiting for a copy to arrive, do not delay submitting your application! The birth certificate can be added a few days later. Utility bills will also be asked for and the online portal will provide you with all of the information you need."
QUERY - Dangerous traps parents fall into which means they miss the deadline ie- forgetting to hit submit before the deadline
Miss White said: "Applications must be submitted by the deadline or else you are treated as a late application and everyone else goes ahead of you when places are being allocated. If the school that you want is oversubscribed, it is very likely that your child will not get in if an application is late. It is easy to overthink or to wait until the last minute to submit your application put I have seen people unable to get online to submit , have genuinely forgotten as there has been a crisis at home or who have thought they had submitted it when they hadn't actually completed the process. Play safe and submit as soon as you have decided on your schools and the order of preference. You should get an email confirming submission."
QUERY - Why is it important to look at the criteria for each school? Should you be applying for schools you want or basing it on geography?
Miss White said: "The criteria for schools is the only way in which a primary school can admit pupils, unless they have a statement of special needs which is dealt with differently.
"Consider carefully how your child fits the criteria for each school on your list and make sure that you put this on your form. If your child has a sibling at the school or is the eldest child in the family, make sure that you tick the corresponding box. Remember -the Board of Governors can only take into consideration the information that you have given them so if it is relevant to the criteria put it on the form."
QUERY - Can you tell us about the relatively new option to defer for parents whose children are going to be the youngest in the year - what way does it work and who should you speak to to see if it is the right decision for your child?
Miss White said: "This is very complex and if you are considering it you should always speak with the Principal. This is only an option under very specific criteria and should be carefully considered and discussed."
QUERY - What can you do when it comes to appealing?
Miss White said: "This process is run by EA however you can only appeal if you feel that the school did not properly apply their criteria . All relevant information will be sent to any parent who informs EA that they wish to appeal after they have received notification of their child's primary school place."
QUERY - What is the biggest rumour about the process you wish you could dispel with parents?
Miss White said: "That you need to be tactical when applying for primary school. I have parents who don't apply to my own school, which is very popular, in case they don't get in as they think that will disadvantage their second preference. This is completely wrong. They should put the schools in the order that they want them if there is no preference criteria."
For further guidance on applying, visit the Education Authority website here.
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