PARENTS with children in their last year of primary school are reminded that the deadline for applying for a secondary school place in Hillingdon is October 31.

The borough’s school admissions team is encouraging them to apply for more than one school and to consider nearby schools, as well as others further away.

Parents are also urged to attend secondary school open evenings to hear a talk by the head teacher, meet the teaching staff, take a tour and meet current pupils.

Applications for secondary school places should be submitted online at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/schools

A late application may result in a child NOT being offered a place, even if they live close to the school or have an older sibling already attending.

Parents can also request a paper application form through their child's primary school.

Cllr David Simmonds, cabinet member for education, said: "Starting secondary school is an important milestone for a young person, and deciding which school is right for them can be a difficult decision.”

For more information on school open evenings, visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/schools