Parents in Somerset have until the end of the month to apply for their children’s secondary school places and are being urged to do so online.

The deadline of Saturday, October 31, applies to all children moving from primary to secondary school, or middle to upper school, next September.

The deadline for primary and middle school place submission, whether for starting school or moving up a level, is January 15.

Although reminder text messages and letters will be sent to parents on the council’s database who have not yet applied, the responsibility for getting applications in on time lies with parents and guardians.

Cllr Faye Purbrick, cabinet member for education and transformation, said: “Due to coronavirus, many schools are holding events or promoting information online rather than traditional open days.

“I urge parents and carers to check schools’ websites or social media for further information. This can help them decide where they would like to attend next year and which three schools they will include in their application.”

She said parents should name three preferences, including their local school: “In recent years, some applications have only included one preference for a non-local school.

“If demand is high for that single school, it can mean that students and parents must wait longer for a confirmed placement at a different school, making the experience altogether more stressful.”

Applications need to be made through Somerset County Council’s website www.somerset.gov.uk/admissions where further information can be found.