Parents across Brighton and Hove are being reminded that the deadline for applying for a primary school place is just over a week away.
Applications for a place in dozens of primary, infant and junior schools for September must be submitted by the end of Friday 15 January.
Brighton and Hove City Council said: “The deadline is important because applications received before deadline are considered before those received after the deadline.
“This means that missing the deadline increases the risk of you not being offered a place at one of your preferred schools – even if you already have another child at one of them.”
The council said: “The deadline applies to reception places for September 2016 (children born between 1 September 2011 and 31 August 2012) and year 3 of junior school (children born between 1 September 2008 and 31 August 2009).”
The council is encouraging parents to apply online at www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/schooladmissions.
It said that its web pages include “all the guidance and advice you need, including information on home to school distances and finding your nearest schools”.
Parents who do not wish to apply online should contact the council’s school admissions team at schooladmissions@brighton-hove.gov.uk or on 01273 293653 for a hard copy of the application pack.
The council added: “Parents who feel they need extra help with the admissions process – perhaps because English is not their first language or they have only just moved to the city – can phone 01273 290355 for impartial support.”