THE schools admission process is set to change for pupils wishing to move during the academic year.

From September parents wanting school places for their child outside of the normal admissions sequence will have to apply to Gloucestershire County Council.

Previously all ‘in year’ applications, where children moved into an area or wished to change schools, had to be arranged by parents directly with schools. However, from September 2010, the county council will become responsible for coordinating all admissions into state schools for children requiring a place at primary and secondary schools at any time during the academic year.

In preparation for the changes parents will be given the opportunity to find out about the changes at a meeting in Shire Hall, Gloucester on January 25, at 4.30pm.

Cllr Jackie Hall, cabinet member for schools, said: "We recognise that the current system isn’t ideal and the meeting will give parents the opportunity to learn about the new system." It is expected that the new process will reduce the time it takes to offer school places and will take no longer than a maximum of three weeks – for the majority of cases this timescale will be shorter where preferred schools have available places.

To book a place at the meeting email admissionpolicy@gloucestershire.gov.uk or call 01452 425407 as space will be limited.