PARENTS and carers of Year 6 pupils are being reminded they only have until Thursday 31 October to apply for their children’s secondary school places.

With the closing date looming, parents are encouraged to submit their applications in advance of the deadline.

Councillor Tony Ball, Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability at Essex County Council, said: “Last year, we were able to offer 93% of pupils their parents’ first or second preference of secondary school, and we’re keen to maintain this excellent record next year.

“To do this, we need residents to complete their children’s secondary school applications correctly and by the deadline of 31 October.”

Parents and carers can submit their applications at www.essex.gov.uk/admissions

The website includes information on different schools and their admissions criteria.

31 October is a national deadline for all applicants. Applications made after this date can only be considered once applications submitted on time have been assessed.

This means applying late could reduce the chance of a child being offered a place at their preferred school.

When submitting their applications, parents are encouraged to:

visit their preferred school
carefully consider each school’s admissions criteria
consider how their child will get to and from school
use all six preferences on their application