Making the right school choice - information available now

All the information and advice that parents and carers might need on choosing a school for their child is now available, Bristol City Council have announced.

Choosing a primary or secondary school is one of the most important decisions a parent or carer can make.  For the first time this year Bristol has an independent  "choice advisor" visiting primary schools to help and support parents in making this decision.

Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Cohesion and Raising Achievement Cllr Peter Hammond said:

"Primary and secondary schools in Bristol are changing fast and many are unrecognisable from just a few years ago with new facilities and improved standards.  Bristol now has an independent choice advisor to help families who might be disadvantaged when making decisions about schools.

"Last year hundreds of parents missed out on their first choice of primary school because they missed the deadline.  My advice is that it is never too early to start thinking about a school for your child, visit as many as possible and get the application in on time."

Top tips from Bristol's Choice Advisor Denise Tovey are:

1. Start thinking about schools early.

2. Decide what you want from a school ie consider your child and his wants, interests and needs; consider practicalities such as travel arrangements and if you need before and after school care.

3. Find out all you can about the schools you are interested in - get a school prospectus, talk to friends and visit the school.

4. Decide which school best suits your child.

5. Make three choices.

6. Apply online or by post.

7. Make sure your application meets the deadline of Friday 24th October, 5pm.

Issued by Bristol City Council