Parents' primary choice

Admission booklets containing a range of information and advice for parents of children born between September 2003 and August 2004 are being distributed during January and parents have until February 8 to express their preferences.

As well as using the application form included in the booklet, they can also apply on-line through the East Sussex County Council website.

The on-line system is quick, easy to use and available 24-hours a day.

Parents applying on-line will get an automatic acknowledgement by email of their application and can print a copy of the form they submit.

Parents are being encouraged to find out as much as possible about their preferred schools before making decisions and applying.

They can ask for a copy of the school's prospectus, contact schools for visits, and check the latest Ofsted inspection reports.

Three preferred schools can be listed on the form and while every effort will be made to meet parents' wishes, a place at a particular school cannot be guaranteed.

Cllr Rupert Simmons, Lead Member for Learning and School Effectiveness, said: "Clearly choosing a school is a very important decision for a parent to make and I would urge them to do as much research as possible before deciding on their preferences. We do always try to meet a parent's wishes and in the majority of cases this is possible."

Visit www.eastsussex.gov.uk/admissions - the on-line service goes live on Friday Jan 11.

Families who do not have internet access at home can use the electronic information points provided by the County Council or internet access in libraries free of charge.