PARENTS have been warned that the deadline for securing a primary school place for 2014/2015 is fast approaching.
Croydon Council has said all applications need to be in by January 15 to be considered for September.
An online application form is available from the school admissions page at www.croydon.gov.uk/primary
The authority has warned that many schools receive more applications than they can accommodate so has urged parents to use all six options of the form, in case none of their preferred schools are available. A spokesman said It was also usually advisable to include your nearest school, even if it is in sixth place.
He added: "Children will always be offered the highest-ranked school with available space from their list, so putting in additional choices won't reduce the chances of being offered one listed as a higher preference. However, if only some of the six options are used, and none of these have spaces, an offer will be made from the places that are left after the first allocations round."
Parents are also advised to check on each school's admissions policy to make sure they do not put their child down for a school that would be unlikely to accept them.
Councillor Tim Pollard, cabinet member for children, families and learning, said: "We understand this can be a stressful and anxious time for many parents. However, if people follow our advice and apply on time, using all six preferences, they are far more likely to get a place they are happy with for their child."
