PARENTS whose children are due to start school in September 2016 have been urged to apply for their preferred schools.

The start of the primary and secondary school admissions process was launched today (Tuesday) by Worcestershire County Council.

Parents of children born between 1 September 2011 and 31st August 2012 need to apply for a primary school place starting in September 2016.

Parents with children due to start secondary school next year must also apply for places.

The council said applying for a school place was quick, efficient and easy to do online at worcestershire.gov.uk/schooladmissions.

Parents with no access to the internet can call the Worcestershire Hub on 01905 822700.

Mark Ballett from the school admissions service at Worcestershire county council said: "It really is important to apply for your child's school place as soon as possible.

"School places are limited and allocated using strict criteria.

"To avoid the disappointment of not getting your preferred school place, I would recommend starting the process sooner rather than later.

"Applying online is quick, easy and safe to do.

"If you change your mind you can go back and update your selection(s) or your preferred ranking of schools at any time up to the closing date."

The application process closes on Saturday, October 31 2015 for High Schools and closes on Friday, January 15 2016 for primary and middle schools.

Parents and carers can log on to the website and apply 24 hours a day seven days a week.

Any changes can be made up to 12 midnight on the closing date.

Parents will be able to print a copy of their application and will also receive an email acknowledgement to confirm receipt of the online application.

Offers for school places are subsequently sent via email while those who have no internet access will have their offer posted to them.

The process provides parents with a reference number which they can refer to in any future correspondence with the county council.

Once a school place has been offered, parents unhappy with the decision will have the chance to go to an independent appeal or go on a waiting list for an alternative school.