THE first deadline for parents to submit applications for school places at both primary and secondary schools in Warrington is soon approaching.

Parents and carers are being reminded by the council that the initial deadline to submit choices for September 2025 will be the end of October.

If you have a child who is currently in year six, you need to apply now for entry to secondary school (year seven). The closing date for applications is Thursday, October 31.

And if you have a child who was born between September 1, 2020, and August 31, 2021, you need to apply now for reception class entry in September 2025. The closing date for applications is Wednesday 15 January 2025.

Parents can express three preferences for schools and are encouraged to do so on their application.

To make an application, parents and carers need to register their details and then apply using the Citizen Portal.

Cllr Jean Flaherty, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “We want to ensure all families are aware of these important deadlines so they can be prepared and submit applications for their preferred schools in plenty of time.”

Further information about how to apply and how places have been allocated previously can be found within information booklets on our website. There are booklets available for primary school admissions and secondary school admissions.

If you do not have a computer or smartphone, you can visit your local LiveWire library or the council offices at 1 Time Square to access the internet and submit your application.

Alternatively, you can contact our school admission team at schooladmissions@warrington.gov.uk.

You can also contact them on 01925 446226 to make a phone appointment for a member of the admissions team to help you complete the online application. Please note, phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 12noon.

For more information, and to apply online, visit warrington.gov.uk/secondary-school-admissions or warrington.gov.uk/primary-school-admissions.