How to Complete The CAF Process in Devon, Torbay and Plymouth
Thinking about secondary school transition in Devon, Torbay or Plymouth? If your child is in Year 6, chances are you’ve started to think about the move and what it entails. The transition can be quite a tricky time for both parents and children to navigate, especially if it’s the first time you’ve encountered the paperwork.
In our previous blog, Sarah gave you an overview of secondary schools in North Devon with some key information that can start your decision making process. In this second blog, I aim to support you in completing the CAF process for Devon parents, whatever secondary school you decide.
Catchment Areas
The county of Devon is split into three unitary authorities – Devon, Torbay and Plymouth with most children going to a school that is within their local authority catchment area. However, some grammar schools and faith schools may have a different policy for admissions that is not based on catchment areas. These schools will have an admissions policy on their website.
Catchment areas in Devon County Council
Most schools have a catchment area where they draw their pupils from. You’ll be expected to live within the school’s catchment area from the date of your application and will be awarded or turned down for a place on these grounds. To find out your catchment area (academic year 22/23) click here. For the link to the academic year 23/24 (children currently in Year 6) click here.
There are some schools in Devon that do not have a designated catchment area for secondary school transition. A list of these can be found here. If you are thinking about applying out of catchment, please consider how your child will get to school each day. Some schools have dedicated bus services to support your child travelling out of catchment but there is usually a charge for this service.
Catchment areas in Plymouth Council
You will need to look at individual schools and their admissions policies to find out if Plymouth schools have catchment areas. A list of these can be found here. You won’t generally have to wade through pages to find this information, the first page of each policy has a summary which states whether the school has a catchment area.
Catchment areas in Torbay Council
Like Plymouth, not all schools in Torbay have a catchment area. Torbay Council has an interactive map for each secondary school with a link to their admissions policy.
How to Apply
Applications for secondary schools are completed online using a CAF form (Common Application Form). Once your application is submitted, you should receive a confirmation email.
Devon County Council Applications
Applications for secondary school places will be available online from the 1st September until 31st October. This link lets you apply directly through the Citizen’s Portal, but it also gives valuable advice about how to apply.
If you are unable to apply online, you can contact the Education helpline on 0345 155 1019 and ask for a paper copy to be sent to you. You can not submit an application by email.
Plymouth Council Applications
Applications for secondary school places will be available online from 1st September until 31st October. This link lets you apply directly through the Citizen’s Portal, but it also gives valuable advice about how to apply.
If you have any problems completing the online form, email the School Admissions Team on school.admissions@plymouth.gov.uk.
Torbay Council
Applications for secondary school places will be available online from 1st September until 31st October. This link lets you apply directly through the Citizen’s Portal, but it also gives valuable advice about how to apply.
If you have any problems, or would like to discuss school admissions, you can ring Student Services on 01803 208908.
Secondary School Allocation Day
Once you have filled in and received confirmation of your application, your next job is to wait! Secondary school transition can be a fraught time and you’ll need to hold in there. It can help your child to visit their potential new school(s) through open days, sports clubs and events so that they know what might be coming. You will receive official confirmation of your school place on 1st March 2023. In the meantime, make the most of Year 6 and your child’s last year of primary education!
About the Author
Liz has been a Year 6 teacher in Devon for many years and has supported many parents through secondary school transition. If you think that she can help you, drop her an email at liz@nextstepstutors.com