The deadline for upper school and high school admissions is fast approaching warn education chiefs at Suffolk County Council. The deadline for all applications, whether they are online or by post is Friday 7 November 2008.

Patricia O'Brien, portfolio holder for Children, Schools and Young People's Services, said:

"It is important to apply for a school place by the closing date. Parents and carers can apply for a place online or in writing. Choosing the right school for your child is very important, and I know that head teachers and staff in our area offices will be happy to answer questions from parents and carers."

The rules on admissions changed in recent years, meaning there are no longer catchment guarantees. If there is demand for more places at a school than are available, then who gets a place will be decided according to our agreed over subscription criteria. Visit www.suffolk.gov.uk/EducationAndLearning/Schools/AdmissionsToSchools for more details about the criteria.

To apply for a school place parents and carers just need to follow these easy steps:

1. Read Suffolk County Council's booklet, 'Schools in Suffolk - Your guide to upper/high school admissions for the 2009-2010', to find out more details about the admissions process. This is available from your school or online at www.suffolk.gov.uk/onlineadmissions

2. Apply online at www.suffolk.gov.uk/onlineadmissions or complete the Common Application Form (CAF1), filling in up to three schools in order of preference, naming the school you most want your child to go to as the first preference.

3. The booklet and the CAF1 form are available online, from your child's school or by contacting 0845 600 0981 (local rate).

4. If one of your preferences is for a voluntary-aided school, you will also need to get a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) from the school direct. The SIF asks for extra information which will help the governors of a voluntary-aided school to assess your application against their school's admissions policy. You should return this form to the voluntary-aided school by the closing date.

If you do not fill in a form, or do not apply by the closing date, the area office will decide where to offer a place, in schools where there are places. Places will be given first to those who did apply by the closing date. Parents and carers will be sent an offer of a school place on Monday 2 March 2009.

Parents should be aware that, because of a change in the law, Suffolk County Council is not able to guarantee a place in your catchment area school and you are recommended to include more than one school on your application form.

People living outside Suffolk who wish to apply for a place at a school here should contact the council where they live for information on how to apply - you cannot apply directly to Suffolk County Council.

Parents and carers can apply on the Internet at www.suffolk.gov.uk/onlineadmissions and if you apply online, you will get an email confirming your application has been received. In addition, you'll be able to receive the outcome of your application electronically without having to wait for a letter in the post.

For more information on the applications process you can call 0845 600 0981 or speak to one of our School Preference Advisers on 01473 264698/9.