MORE THAN 5,000 Devon parents who want to change their children s school during term time will have to complete a new application form.
MORE THAN 5,000 Devon parents who want to change their children's school during term time will have to complete a new application form.
The Government has told all education authorities to start using the new procedure from September 2010.
It does not affect parents whose children are starting primary school or transferring from primary to secondary in the normal way.
But anyone moving from one part of Devon to another or moving into the county who requires a place during the normal school year will have to fill out the new Common Application Form.
They can express a preference for up to three schools and - even if one or more preferences are for schools outside Devon - they must return it to Devon County Council if their home address is in the county.
Devon County Council's Admissions Manager, Karen Howes, said: "We want parents to know about these new procedures as early as possible.
"We are holding roadshows for school administrators and we have held briefings for headteachers and governors.
"Moving house is always a stressful time and we want to make sure parents know exactly what they now have to do to apply for a school place.
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