Online application for secondary school

[zha]

My DS's primary school did not receive any paper application forms this year. So I went to the Birmingham City Council on line site:

http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/schooladmissions" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The link near the top of the page doesn't seem to be working. Has anyone here managed to apply online successfully?
Thanks.

[Fatnorville]

I suspect that as the KE results are out today every parent has tried to log into the system to submit their CAF form and the system has crashed.

Try again later? But whatever you do don't forget to submit your form.

[sasa]

I've tried too with no success.

It worked fine the other week when I went on to register our details. I saved it all at the point when I had to put in the school choices.

Hopefully it'll be working tomorrow - I expect it's just busy tonight - if not a phone call will be needed. 0121 303 1888 is the number given on the website.

[OldTrout]

Hi all:

Just managed to submit little fish's preference form to Birmingham LEA.

The site is clearly overwhelmed. Late night has worked for us in this instance (I hasten to add little fish is tucked up in bed and papa trout is watching dodgy sci fi).

I suspect that over the next few days things will calm down - it's just the rush after results. So hang in there - and if it is still acting up - try early a.m. or late p.m.

Hope you all get your first choice!

[kumarsAt42]

Direct link for LEA Form - https://eadmissions.birmingham.gov.uk/prefs.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[parents666]

Hi
I am applying online and just wanted to know how much we need to write on the section'reason to apply'.we are in OOC area and planning to move to the area if my son gets the offer.I am already working in that area and commuting 30 miles each way. Would apprec
iate your opinion.

[hermanmunster]

You don't need to put anything the section about reasons for applying. it is just if you were applying to say an all girls school etc etc

if you have the score then it is up to you how you get there in the morning, they won't comment on it

[parents666]

Thanks Hermanmunster. was just wondering if that risk my son's place being 30 plus miles away, more so if not giving any reason. I will leave the place blank if that is ok.

[hermanmunster]

If it is one of the Birmingham schools that offers on score and distance is not mentioned in the oversubscription policy then there is no trouble.

You may have to be wary of distance of any non selective schools you are putting further down the list as a backup

[moseleymum]

Yes the reasons for applying refers to non selective schools where there may be other considerations, such as siblings or religious persuasion if it's a faith school etc. The criterion for the Grammar schools is the exam score so other reasons are largely irrelevant. Distance is only a factor for the last place on the last score in if there is a tie, where the closest child will get the place. However if you are comfortably above the minimum then distance definitely is not a factor. Children travel from all over anyway.