By September 2006, 150 local authorities in England are required to offer an online school admissions system, reported Public Technology.net. Part of the eAdmissions National Project, the online system allows parents and caretakers to enroll students in school quick and easy – without the paperwork.

Since the project’s launch in February 2004, 58 local authorities have implemented an online admissions system. That leaves another 92 to go by the September deadline, but they will be ready, according to Public Technology.

Response has been positive in the areas where the system is already in place. Some authorities have experienced more than 35 percent take-up.

An eAdmissions survey found that two-thirds of respondents who had access to an online school admissions system experienced no difficulties whatsoever.

We were concerned that an online system would mean those parents with internet connections would be able to get their enrollment form in faster, thus giving priority admission to their student. But a quick call to eAdmissions put our worries to rest.

The online system is “an alternative service channel,” said Amanda Derrick, program manager for the eAdmissions National Project.

There is no enrollment advantage to using the online admission system over the paper form, Derrick said. Each local authority has their own enrollment procedure and this system does not alter how enrollment is ultimately determined.

If nothing else, it will definitely save a few trees!

The eAdmissions National Project is sponsored by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Department for Education and Skills.