Maidenhead & Windsor

Applying for a place in one of the Maidenhead Royal Borough's 63 schools is now a lot easier, thanks to the launch of the process on-line through the council's website www.rbwm.gov.uk

From Friday September 1 parents and carers of primary school age children (Monday September 11 for secondary age children) can use their mouse to make an e-admissions application – either from the comfort of their own home or by using the free internet access available at all borough libraries.

The easy-to-use process features step-by-step instructions that enable the child's details to be registered along with three school preferences – all on a password-protected portal that offers confidentiality and security.

Parents/carers using the system for the first time will be allocated a password (which can be changed) and this allows application forms to be amended or checked before the closing date. Receipt of an application is confirmed by email, giving added peace of mind, and email reminders are also issued if an application has not been submitted on time.

Cllr Cynthia Pitteway, lead member for Maidenhead education, said she welcomed this new development.

She said: "I am in favour of anything that makes the admission procedure as easy as possible for all parents and carers. This is a fast, efficient way of getting applications to the council's admissions team and I am confident that many people it find it a very practical help."

Thousands of admissions applications are dealt with every year by the council's specialist team, not only for local schools but also for 'cross border' admissions for children travelling to borough schools from other areas and vice versa.

Admission guides will be distributed to Maidenhead parents and carers via schools across the borough and Belinda Wickens, admissions officers, said that they must read the information before applying, either on-line or by the usual forms.

She explained: "The booklets, one for secondary and one for primary age children, contain everything parents and carers need to know, including frequently asked questions, information about the admission process and all borough schools. Armed with the preparation the booklets provide, parents and carers can apply with confidence."

The borough's e-admissions website is live from Friday September 1, with a link direct from the home page.

Further information is available from the admissions team on 01628 796782, 796783, 796784 or 685614.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead