Warning to meet schools deadline

Families can apply online for primary and secondary school places

Parents have been urged to apply early for school places in Surrey after late applications rose "significantly" for the last intake.

Families stand a better chance of getting one of their preferred schools if they meet the deadline, the county council warned.

Online applications can be made from Monday, and parents can still apply by post, Councillor Peter Martin said.

Last autumn, Surrey had more than 30,000 applications for school places.

"We want to do all we can to get parents the places they want for their children, and they have a better chance of getting one of their preferred schools if they apply on time," Mr Martin said.

All applications would be treated equally whether received electronically or on paper, he added.

'Postal system slower'

He said late applications were put to one side until all the others were processed, so families who missed the deadline had a reduced chance of getting into a preferred school.

Parents who use the secure online application system can change their selection up to the closing dates of 23 October for primary places, and 24 October for secondary places.

They will also receive a reference number and an e-mail confirmation.

People can still apply by post, but the council said the process was slower and preferences could not be changed after applications had been submitted.