Slough Borough Council: Choice advice

Choice advice

Is your child approaching school transfer? Are you thinking about which school is best suited to your child’s needs?

Choice Advice is a free impartial advice and information service for parents and families who would like more support with school admissions. It can help you if:

English is not your first language
you have recently moved to Slough
your child is moving to Reception or Year 7
you are confused by the whole process

Secondary Transfer

Your child will get the Secondary Schools in Slough booklet in September when they start year 6. Please read the information carefully. You only have a short time to complete the forms or online admissions.

The Common Application Form (CAF) will be given with the booklet.

You have the right to state a preference for up to 6 schools for your child. You do not actually choose the school they will go to.

School places are allocated using the admissions criteria for each school. These can be found in the Secondary Schools in Slough booklet. Please read these carefully when considering a school.

If you are a Slough resident considering an out of borough school, this must be listed on your Slough CAF form. A list of neighbouring authorities and contact details are in the Secondary Schools booklet.

Remember to register with the Grammar schools of your choice if your child will be sitting the 11+ selection test. Further information is available on the school websites.

Things to think about when considering a school

Try to attend all the open evenings held by the schools you may be interested in. This will give you a better understanding of ‘what’s on offer’.
Take your child’s feelings into consideration and take them along to the open evening.
Do not rely on what other people think about a school. Read the prospectus, visit the school and talk to staff.
If you are unable to attend the open evening, many schools will be happy to show you around at another time.
Do you need a school with some Special Education Needs provision?
Do you need a school with extended services, i.e. breakfast or homework clubs?
Some schools have a specialist status. You can find out more on the school website.

For more information and support please feel free to contact Yasmin Dean, Choice Adviser on 01753 787670 or email yasmin.dean@slough.gov.uk.