Parents and carers with children due to start primary or secondary school for the first time in Leicestershire next year - Autumn 2024 - can apply for their places now.

Applications for children moving from primary to secondary need to be made by October 31, while first time primary applications need to be in by January 15.

Applications for 2024/25 can be made HERE where there is also information about county schools and hints and tips on applying.

Deborah Taylor, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for children and families, said: "We know that choosing the right school is a big deal for families which is why we have included lots of information about the process and details about county schools on our website.

"Selecting three schools, including one in your catchment area, really does give you the best chance of securing a place for your child at a local school.

"There is no automatic entry for any school, so it is very important for applications to be made before the closing dates."

Last year nearly 99 per cent of Leicestershire's children – a record number - secured a place at a preferred primary choice and around 97.5 per cent at a preferred secondary.

Hints and Tips

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• Select three schools, including one in your catchment area

• Choosing just one school will not increase your child's chances of securing a place there. If you're not offered a place at your chosen school, and don't have other preferences on your list, you could be offered a school some distance away

• Make sure you're happy with your order of preference

• If you're applying for an education, health, and care plan (EHCP) and you think your child might attend a specialist school, it is still important to fill out an application for a mainstream school place. This will ensure they will have a school place in the autumn

If you're not sure if you live in a school's catchment area, check out their website or drop them a line. This is often a key factor in getting a place.

For further advice on your preferred schools and information around open days, please contact individual schools directly.

Allocated school places will be announced on national offer days – March 1 2024 (secondary) and April 16 2024 (primary).