SOMERSET parents and carers of children due to start school or move on to a new school next September are being urged to apply for their place online and on time.

Parents and carers of children starting a new secondary or upper school can apply now.

Parents of children starting school for the first time or moving up to junior or middle school, can apply from September 25.

The application website for parents and carers of children moving to secondary and upper schools is now open and adults can apply for places for their children from now until October 31 HERE.

The application website for parents and carers of children starting school for the first time opens on September 25 until January 15, 2024 is HERE.

Before making an application, parents and carers of new starters are advised to read the Primary Admissions Guide HERE.

In helping children get ready to start school, parents and carers can find advice on school readiness HERE.

Parents and carers can also get help to access free early education HERE.

Junior and middle school applications can be made from September 25 until January 15 HERE.

Any parent who does not have online access can phone the Somerset Council customer contact number on 0300 1232224.

Shortly before the deadlines, reminder emails and/or letters will be sent to parents and carers of new starters who have not yet applied. However, the responsibility for getting applications in on time lies with parents and carers.

Up to three preferences can be made. Parents are advised to use all three preferences and consider including their catchment school. Outcomes will be sent to parents and carers via email on March 1, 2024, National Offer Day.

Cllr Tessa Munt, council lead executive member for children, families and education, said: “I encourage every parent and carer to put their three choices of school in as soon as they can before the deadline date and include their catchment area school.

"Every child can flourish and mature with a good education so parents should go online, follow the correct link, and make an application right away.

"Don’t forget to check for open days and visit your local schools to make the right choice for your child.”

The webpage HERE holds related information including a directory of schools, catchment areas and admissions policies.