Completing an application form

Section 1: child's details

• Complete your child's name and address as it appears on their birth         certificate. Please do not use nicknames or shortened names.
• You must ensure your address details are completed correctly as you will be asked to prove your child's home address.
• If your child attends a nursery, you must state the nursery school he/she is currently attending.
• You must name any twins/triplets that may also be transferring so that we are aware that there will be another application from the family.

Section 2: school preferences

• You can list up to any six schools on the application form, including schools located outside of Southwark, but not independent fee paying schools.
• The order you list the schools is very important. State your first preference at the top, your second preference next and your last preference at the bottom   so the schools are listed in your order of preference.
• It is important to list the details of a brother or sister who will be attending one of your preferred schools. This may increase your chances of an offer depending on the published admission criteria.
• You can supply further details under 'Reasons for preferences' for example if you wish to make a case for exceptional needs that can best be met at a particular school.

Section 3: looked after children

• If you are a carer of a 'looked after child', state which local authority is responsible for the child.
• You must attach a letter with the application from the child's social worker confirming the name of the social worker, the legal status of the child and the specific reasons for the preferences stated.

• A 'looked after child' means a person under the age of 18 for whom a local authority provides accommodation by agreement with their parents or carers (section 20 of the Children Act 1989) or who is the subject of a care orderunder part IV of the act. Children who are looked after under a series of short term placements (such as respite care) are not included.

Section 4: parent's or carer's details

You must ensure that this section is fully completed and that a valid            telephone number is given.

Section 5: declaration and signature of parent or carer

You must sign and date the form and return it by Saturday 15 January 2011. For details on where to return the application form please read about how to apply for a primary school place.

If you are applying online you will not be able sign the application. However, the registration process has a   number of security measures aimed to verify the identity of the parent or carer.

Unsigned forms will be returned for signature and will be treated as late if  received after the deadline.

For more tips on how to apply for a school place and completing the application form read about how to find the right school for your child.