Frequently asked questions
How many places are given each year at Fairlawn Primary School?
Each year we take in 60 children.
Are there many applicants each year?
Yes. For 60 places we usually receive well over 300 applicants. Fairlawn Primary School is a very popular school and is always oversubscribed. * Usually at least 25-30 places go to brothers or sisters. If the school is oversubscribed entirely with siblings, priority will be given to:
- those with exceptional social or medical need
- those living nearest.
* Lots of applicants will also have applied to other schools.
How does the LA decide which is nearest to the school?
All distances will be measured to a central nodal point in the school premises, using digitised mapping software of the area, from a nodal point in the applicant’s permanent home address. If more than one applicant lives in a multi-occupancy building (e.g. flats) priority will be given to the applicant whose door number is the lowest numerically and/or alphabetically.
Can I use my childminder’s address or the address of a relative?
No. Only the child’s home address (where the child actually lives). If an application is made with false information, the offer can be withdrawn. Please do not give false information.
What if we move addresses?
Children who move addresses after they have started school may continue at Fairlawn Primary School as long as their attendance and punctuality is not affected by moving further away.
When will I know if my child has a place in the reception class?
Decisions will be made after the closing date for the year’s intake. You will be notified by email if you have applied online by the end of April or early May (this is dependent on the school term). The results of postal applications will be sent by first class post on that same day.
What happens once I have been offered a place in the Reception class?
Once the LA has offered your child a place, and you have accepted it, Lewisham will write to you asking to see your child’s birth certificate or passport. If a residence or court order is held this should be provided. Lewisham will need to see this proof before they can confirm the offer.
What if I am refused a place in the school I want for my child?
You may decide to:
(a) Stay on the waiting list. The LA keeps waiting lists for one year only. You may renew the application each year.
(b) Appeal against the decision not to offer a place for your child. An Appeal is made to the Local Authority.
Details of how to make an Appeal are available from the school or:
Director of Children and Young Peoples’ Services,
Primary Admissions Department.
Laurence House, Catford, London SE6 4RU
Tel. 0208 314 8282
If they start in another school can they come to Fairlawn Primary School later if a place is offered?
Yes – if the LA notifies you that your child is next on the waiting list and a place becomes available because a child has left the school.
My child is already at another school but I want to move them. Can I apply to Fairlawn Primary School?
Providing the child has not been excluded from another school you may apply for a place at Fairlawn Primary School. See the section ‘admissions to current reception class and years 1- 6’ also called ‘In-Year Admissions’
If I can’t have a place now at Fairlawn Primary School is it likely that I’ll get one in the future?
Sorry, we can’t answer that one! We never know when children will move out of the area or to a new school. In our experience places do sometimes come up throughout the year. It is therefore possible that we may be able to accommodate your child at some stage of their primary school career.
Can I apply to the school even if we don’t live in the area?
Yes. You may apply to any school of your choice through your LA. A place will be offered if there is one available and your child has the greatest entitlement of all of the children on the waiting list.