PARENTS and carers urged to submit their child’s application before national closing date of Tuesday 31 October.

Parents of Year 6 pupils due to start secondary school in September 2024 are reminded that they only have until Tuesday 31 October 2023 to apply for their child’s secondary school place.

With less than two weeks to go until the closing date, parents are encouraged to use the upcoming half term break to complete their applications.

Councillor Tony Ball, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability, said: “Submitting a secondary school application is a big step for all parents and marks an exciting and important milestone in a child’s life.

“Last year we were able to offer 93% of pupils their parents’ first or second preference of secondary school and just under 97% of parents one of their named preferences.

“We’re keen to maintain our excellent record of securing preferred places for Year 7 pupils in Essex again next year. Parents completing their child’s secondary school place application correctly and by the deadline is a really important part of this process.”

Applications can be made at www.essex.gov.uk/admissions. The website also includes information on different schools and their admissions criteria.

Applications must be made by the national closing date of 31 October 2023. Any submitted after this date will be considered once all on-time applications have been determined. This means applying late could reduce the chance of a child being offered a place at their preferred school.