Northern Ireland

More than 43,000 applications submitted for primary and pre-school places for September

More than 43,000 applications have been submitted for primary and pre-school places
More than 43,000 applications have been submitted for primary and pre-school places More than 43,000 applications have been submitted for primary and pre-school places

MORE than 43,000 applications have been submitted for primary and pre-school places in Northern Ireland for the next academic year.

The Education Authority (EA) said it represents around 94 per cent of the projected number of children for the school year September 2022 -June 2023.

The deadline is today at noon with the EA making a final push to reach the small number of families who may not have applied.

Peter Canavan, EA head of pupil admissions, said: "We are delighted that so many families have already applied for a place in pre-school, or primary one for September 2022.

"However, we want to make sure that all families of children eligible to apply for a place are aware of the deadline. We work hard with colleagues in other organisations, such as Sure Start and children charities to reach all families.

"We want to highlight the deadline of the online admissions process to those small number of families who may not be aware of the process.

"So, if you know of any family who may not have applied for a place could you please encourage them to do so.

"We also want to make people aware that we are here to help and support them through the process through our email and telephone helpdesk."

For information, please contact the EA on 028 9598 5595 or email preschooladmissions@eani.org.uk or primaryadmissions@eani.org.uk.