Applications for pupils starting in reception in September 2024 close on 15 January and should be made online where possible.

Parents can express up to five school preferences on the application form including schools outside the Dudley Local Authority. Parents are encouraged to use all the five preferences and must complete an application form in order to ensure a place.

Applications should be made online by midnight on 15 January 2024. Paper submissions must be with the school admission’s team by 5pm on 15 January 2024.

Decision emails will be sent to parents after 2pm on 16 April 2024, decision letters for people who made a paper applications will be sent out by 2nd class post on 16 April 2024. Any appeals will be heard in June/July 2024. Councillor Ruth Buttery, cabinet member for children and young people said:

“The online application process is really quick and simple and allows parents to select up to five schools for their child. We advise parents to take advantage of this and use all five preferences.

“We recommend that parents submit their application online rather than on paper as this way it’s safe, secure and they can be certain it has been received as we confirm every application via email.

“It also means they’ll hear the outcome more quickly as we issue all email decisions on the afternoon of 16 April 2024.”

Full details of how to apply and a link to the portal can be found on the Dudley Council website 

For those parents who have no internet access, a paper form can be requested by calling Dudley Council Plus on 0300 555 2345.

Parents returning a paper form are advised to return the form by recorded delivery to ensure it is definitely received.