PARENTS and carers with children due to start school in September 2013 have just one week left to return their applications.

Cumbria County Council is taking applications for children born between September 1, 2008 and August 31, 2009 starting in the Reception year group.

The authority said it was vital applications were submitted by the deadline of January 15 as late applications meant there was less chance of securing a place at parents' preferred school.

Applicants are asked to express a preference for three different schools, with children living inside the school’s catchment area having a higher priority for a place than those residing outside it.

However, living inside the catchment does not guarantee a place at that particular school, the council explained.

To apply for a school place parents/carers must either complete the online application form or the paper equivalent (SA1).

In addition, many voluntary aided and foundation schools and academies have their own supplementary application form because some are church schools and, if they are oversubscribed, priority is given to parents, carers or children who meet their faith criteria.

Anybody wanting to apply for a place at one of these schools is advised to request the supplementary form direct from the school.

To apply online or download the application form visit www.cumbria.gov.uk/schooladmissions

Hard copies of the form are also available from schools or the county council’s schools admissions and appeals team, who can also provide support to those applying for a school place.

To contact the team call:

Allerdale and Copeland 01228 221582

Barrow and South Lakeland 01228 226775

Carlisle and Eden 01228 221198

Or email at: school.admissions@cumbria.gov.uk