Smash the school application process with these tips from NI4Kids
Applications for pre-school and primary open on the Education Authority portal on January 10 with post-primary applications to follow on January 28. Make sure you maximise the potential of getting your child into your first choice by following these tips.
Tour schools
Even if you have decided on your preferred school it is important to attend open days to ensure the school is a good fit for your child. Whilst the closest school for primary may seem like the obvious choice, an open day can give you a flavour for whether the school’s facilities and approach to education will suit your child’s learning style. Most schools will have open days or evenings but if you cannot make the particular date you can request a private tour instead.
Ask questions prior to applying
Think about what is important to you in a school and ask questions accordingly. If your child has any additional needs what kind of support is available to them at this school? You might like to enquire about how many children are in each class, or whether the school places an emphasis on sports, music, or drama. In more practical terms, does the school offer breakfast or after school clubs and do these extend into wraparound care in the summer holidays? If you find you have questions after the open day you can always email the school for clarification.
Prioritise your choices
In Northern Ireland you are required to list at least four schools on your application as your child may not end up getting into their first choice if the number of applications outweigh the number of places. Make sure you would be happy sending your child to any of the schools that you have listed and prioritise your choices in order of preference as many schools cite where you rank them as part of their criteria.
Read criteria carefully
Each school sets its own criteria which can be found on the Education Authority website. Make sure you read it carefully and reference it when applying. When filling out the application list clearly, in bullet points, how your child meets the admissions criteria whether that be distance from the school, family children already enrolled, or their Total Standardised Age Score.
Proof read your application
Don’t rush the application process and ensure all details are correct before submitting. If you need to supply the distance from your address to the school make sure you double check your figures, especially if you need to calculate the distance according to how the crow flies.
Include relevant information
If your child has specific medical needs you will need to detail these in your application, as well as provide supporting documents from professionals. For children with a formal Statement of Special Education Needs there is a separate process of which the Education Authority SEN Service can advise upon.
Meet the deadline
Make a note of the deadlines – Friday, January 10 for primary and pre-school, and Thursday, February 25 for post-primary – and put them in your calendar. If you think there is even the smallest possibility that you might forget, set a reminder on your phone or tape it to the fridge as any submissions made after 12 noon on the closing dates will be treated as a late application and could hinder your child’s chances of getting into their preferred school.
Prepare supporting documents in advance
Don’t wait until the deadline to gather supporting documents. Check the criteria for the schools you wish to apply for now and make sure you have the information easily accessible to you. Some schools may ask for a range of documentation but the majority will require your child’s birth certificate and a proof of address. There is a grace period for submitting supporting evidence but if you have lost any of the documentation required and need to apply for new versions this can take additional time.
