WIRRAL Council is reminding parents across the borough that applications for admission into primary schools next autumn must be made by next Wednesday, January 15.

All parents of children born between September 1, 2015 and August 31, 2016, should have received a leaflet from their child’s preschool telling them how to apply.

Parents have to apply for a primary school place for their child by the deadline of next Wednesday to give their child the best chance of getting a place at one of their preferred schools.

Parents can give up to three preferences when they make their application and rank their preferred schools to show which would be their first, second and third preference.

Schools are not told what rank parents have given.

Wirral operates an equal preference system when considering school admission applications.

This means that each of the school preferences given by a parent on their application form will be considered at the same time. If, as a result of this, the system shows that a place could be offered at more than one school, their child will be offered a place at the school ranked highest amongst those named on the application form by parents.

Councillor Thomas Usher, cabinet member for children and families, said: "Choosing a primary school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will have to make. You will want a school where your child is happy and safe and achieves their best.”

Applications can be made on-line on the school admissions website. Parents who cannot apply on-line can complete a paper application form. The deadline for postal applications is 5pm on Wednesday, and for on-line applications it is midnight on the same day.

For more information and to make an online application please visit the Schools Admissions section of the Wirral Council website.

Offers will be sent to parents/carers on Thursday, April 16, by email for online applicants, or by second class post for paper form applicants.