SCHOOL applications for children due to start primary or secondary in Oxfordshire in September 2016 can now be made online.

Families with children born between September 1, 2011, and August 31, 2012, are urged to visit the primary school admissions pages on Oxfordshire County Council’s website to find out how to apply for places for next year.

Applications for primary or junior schools also need to be made for children currently attending an infant school, born between September 1, 2008, and August 31, 2009.

Families with children due to move up to secondary school next September should visit the secondary school admissions pages.

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When applying parents are strongly advised to state three preferences and include their catchment school as one of these – even if it is their third preference school. This does not affect families’ chances of securing a place at their first-preference school.

The council still accepts postal applications but recommends families apply online where possible, as this helps speed up the process. It also means families receive an automatic response confirming their application has been received and can be quickly notified if further information is needed.

Postal application forms and information booklets are available from all Oxfordshire schools and nurseries, and from reception at County Hall in Oxford.

The deadline for secondary school applications is November 2, 2015. The deadline for primary and junior school applications is January 15, 2016.

Visit oxfordshire.gov.uk