THE deadline for applications of admission into Wirral secondary schools next September is looming.

Wirral Council say parents have until October 31 to give their children 'the best chance of getting a place at one of their preferred schools'.

Parents can give up to five preferences when they make their application and rank their preferred schools to show which would be their first, second, third preference and so on. Schools are not told what rank parents have given to their school.

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 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.

Parents should not give a preference for a grammar school unless they have been advised that their child has met the grammar standard.

Councillor Stephen Bennett, chair of Wirral's children, young people and education committee said: "Choosing a secondary school place for your child is a really important decision for any parent.

"In Wirral, students can access superb schools with fantastic – and often cutting edge – educational facilities.

"The right setting, where your child feels happy and safe, will help them to flourish and thrive."

Applications can be made on-line on the School Admissions website. Parents who cannot apply on-line can complete a paper application form, available by calling 0151 606 2000.

The deadline for postal applications is 5pm on Thursday 31 October, and for on-line applications is midnight on Thursday 31 October.

For more information and to make an online application visit www.wirral.gov.uk/schooladmissions.