Parents in County Durham are being reminded they are running out of time to apply for secondary school places for their children.

The deadline for applications for the next academic year, which starts in September 2025, is Thursday, October 31.

For a child to be eligible to start secondary school in September 2025, their birthday must fall between September 1 2013 and August 31 2014.

Cllr Ted Henderson, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said: “For parents, the decision of which school to send their child to is, understandably, a big one. We would urge parents to make sure they apply by the deadline as a late application greatly reduces their chances of getting into a preferred school.”

Applications can be made online or by post. If posting, the form should be sent back using signed for or special delivery services.

Application forms can also be requested by phoning 03000 265 896 or by writing to the School Places and Admissions Team at Education Development Centre, Enterprise Way, Spennymoor DL16 6YP.

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Offers of places will be made to parents on March 3, 2025.

For applications completed online, offers will be received by email. For applications sent by post, offers will be received by letter.

These should arrive by no later than March 5, 2025.