Same Start Date For Bexley’s Primary Pupils
Exciting changes to the way parents apply for primary school places will come into force in Bexley from 2009. The new single point of entry system is designed to benefit primary school children and boost achievement levels.
Currently, children born between March and August are admitted in January, while children born earlier start school in September. This means that some children miss vital months of education and spend time catching up with their fellow pupils. The changes will see classes of children starting school together in September. The new system has been shown to make a positive difference to children as they progress through school.
Cabinet Members took the decision to make the change from the two point entry system at their meeting last month after listening to the parents concerns and carrying out consultation with primary school headteachers.
Children born between 1 September 2004 and 31 August 2005 will be the first to be admitted under the single point system.
Cabinet Member for Schools, Youth Services and Adult Education, Cllr Simon Windle feels the change is a positive step. "Our aim is to give children every possible life chance available to them to succeed. This method of single entry improves achievement levels at primary level and helps children to settle into school quickly. I hope that it will also make things simpler for parents at a time when they are making key decisions for their children’s education. I thank the schools for the support that they have shown this proposal and their part in the consultation process."
For more information on the primary school admission process in Bexley visit www.bexley.gov.uk/admissions or call 020 8836 8230
