PRIMARY schools in Newport could have formally established catchment areas for the first time under proposals set to be put to residents in the city.

The authority has launched an eight-week consultation on its admissions arrangements for September 2015.

Each year councils need to consult on how to determine admissions arrangements two years before they come into force.

The authority said that one of the key differences for 2015 is a proposal to formally establish primary school catchment areas for the first time.

This will involve, Newport council said, only minor changes to the current boundaries. Denoted secondary school clusters will remain the same.

The new policy would include provision of a common offer date on which decision letters are issued for secondary school applications.

It will also clarify how an applicant’s home address will be assessed during the process where children transfer between different phases of schooling.

Maps for the proposed primary school catchment boundaries can be found on the council’s website.

Anyone who wishes to comment can write to the Education Business Manager, Room 425w, Civic Centre, Newport, NP20 4UR, or can do so online – visit www.newport.gov.uk/schooladmissions.