PARENTS of young children across the borough are being urged to apply secondary school places for next year.

The online application process for secondary school places is now open for parents to apply and closing date is Tuesday, October 31.

Places will be confirmed on Thursday, March 1.

Parents who apply after the closing date will only find out which school their child has been offered a place at much later in the year and will be less likely to get a place at one of their preferred schools.

If your child turns 11 between September 1 2017 and August 31 2018 they will transfer to secondary school at the start of the new school year in September 2018.

Every place must be applied for through Wigan Council even if the child's name has already been registered at a school or they have an older sibling already attending the school.

James Winterbottom, director for children’s services at Wigan Council said: "I'd encourage all parents to apply as quickly as possible for their child's preferred secondary school to avoid disappointment.

“Applying online is really quick and simple and makes the process as stress free as possible."

To apply, register at wigan.gov.uk/schooladmissions to give your three preferred schools in priority order.

If you are unable to apply online, you can pick up a form from your child’s primary school or contact the school organisation team on 01942 489013 who can post a form out.