Parents and carers with children due to start secondary school in Leicestershire in September 2021 can now apply for school places.

The application process is now open, with parents required to apply for their preferred schools by Saturday, October 31, 2020.

Deborah Taylor, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for children and families, said: "Choosing which schools to apply for is one of the most important decisions a family can make, and we are committed to working with parents and carers to support them as they make this choice.

"Last year more than 95 per cent of Leicestershire's children secured a place at a preferred school, so we'd like to remind parents to maximise their opportunities by applying for three schools, including their catchment school.

"There is no automatic entry for any school, so it is very important for applications to be submitted before the closing date of 31 October."

More information about schools in Leicestershire and the application process can be found at School Admissions

For further advice on your preferred schools and information around virtual open days, please contact individual schools directly.

Parents unable to apply online can download a form from the website, fill it in and post it by the closing date. Alternatively, they may call the Customer Service Centre on 0116 305 6684 and request a form to be sent out.

Nearly 7,400 applications were received for autumn 2020 start, of which:

• 89.2 per cent (6604) secured their first choice (90.72 per cent in 2019)
• 5.1 per cent (380) secured their second choice (5.01 per cent in 2019)
• 1.2 per cent (95) secured their third choice (0.76 per cent in 2019)
• 95.6 per cent (7079) secured one of their top three choices (96.49 per cent in 2019)