PARENTS are being urged to ensure they do not miss this year’s deadline for applying for primary school places.

Oxfordshire County Council is reminding people with children born between September 1, 2010, and August 31, 2011, they must apply by January 15.

Primary or junior school applications also need to be made for children attending an infant school who were born between September 1, 2007, and August 31, 2008.

Our top stories

The council’s cabinet member for children, education and families, Melinda Tilley, said: “It’s important that parents ensure they apply for a school place for their child on time, as this increases the chances we will be able to offer them a place at a school listed among their preferences.

“Understandably, many parents have strong views about which school they would like their child to attend. However, we would always urge families to state three preferences on their application form, and include their catchment school as one of these — even if it is their third preference.

“This does not in any way reduce the chances of securing a place at your first-preference school.

“All the information about how to apply can be found on our website.”

She added that the county council was able to offer first-preference places for almost 90 per cent of children starting primary school in Oxfordshire in September 2014.

Those who apply online will also receive an email on allocation day informing them of the outcome of their application.

To apply, visit oxfordshire.gov.uk or call 01865 815175 to find out how to apply by post.

  • Do you want alerts delivered straight to your phone via our WhatsApp service? Text NEWS or SPORT or NEWS AND SPORT, depending on which services you want, and your full name to 07767 417704. Save our number into your phone’s contacts as Oxford Mail WhatsApp and ensure you have WhatsApp installed.