HARLOW parents can now apply for their children’s secondary school places for 2017.

Parents and carers of children due to start at secondary school (Year 7) in September next year can apply between 5 September 2016 and 31 October 2016. It is crucial an application is received by the closing date.

Applications can be made at www.essex.gov.uk/admissions. The website also enables parents to search for school information, and check admissions criteria.

Cllr Ray Gooding, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, said: “Applying for a secondary school place can be a difficult decision for parents and their children to make and I would encourage them to make use of the tools available on the website before making an application.

“It is important parents make use of all six preferences available to maximise the chance of a place at a preferred school.

“I would also encourage them to carefully consider the admissions criteria for each school they wish to apply for and to read all of the published information to ensure they make an informed application.”

Applications must be submitted by 31 October 2016. Any applications made after the deadline will be considered once all on-time applications have been determined.

About 94 per cent of pupils starting secondary school in 2016 were offered one of their parents’ top two preferences of school.

Essex County Council is planning to spend about £360million creating thousands more school places across the county over the next three years.