PARENTS have been reminded of the looming deadline for school place applications.

Oxfordshire County Council has urged parents and carers to submit their preferences for secondary school places, for children starting Year 7 in September 2020.

The deadline for applications is midnight on Thursday, October 31.

The council's cabinet member for education, Lorraine Lindsay-Gale, said: "The council has a strong record of being able to offer the vast majority of families a place at their first-preference secondary school, with 85.8 per cent receiving the news they wanted to hear last year.

"It is very important to apply on time, as this ensures your application is considered alongside all others submitted before the deadline – increasing the chances we will be able to offer you a place at a school listed among your preferences."

Although paper forms are available from schools and County Hall, parents have been advised to file applications via the council's website, for efficiency and security.

Parents should state four preferences, in order of preference.

The council has stressed that listing all four does not affect families' chances of securing their first-preference school.

Ms Lindsay-Gale added: "Many parents understandably have a very clear view about which school they would like their child to attend, but our strong advice is to state four preferences on your application form.

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

Parent or carers of children born between September, 1, 2008 and August 31, 2009, inclusive, need to apply for a secondary school place.

The council oversees all state school applications for September admissions, including academies.

To apply, visit oxfordshire.gov.uk/residents/schools/apply-school-place/secondary-school