Two important advice sessions are being held at the town hall next week for parents who want their children to start at a Wandsworth secondary school in September 2014.

The meetings, which are being held at the Wandsworth civic suite, will give parents and carers the chance to ask questions and learn more about all aspects of the admissions process.

These information and advice sessions are important because preparations for next September's schools intake are now commencing - even though the 2013 academic year has only just begun.

The meetings will be held on Tuesday, September 10 and Wednesday, September 11, between 7pm and 8.15pm. The civic suite is in Wandsworth High Street.

These two advice sessions will be followed by a series of open evenings later this month and in October at all the borough's secondary schools. 

These meetings will allow parents to visit individual schools, view their facilities, meet teachers and headteachers and help them to make informed decisions about their school choices.

Details of the dates and times of these open evenings are available on the council's website at Secondary school admissions - information and dates

The strict deadline for parents to make their school application is Thursday, October 31. Parents of children living in the borough must submit their application to Wandsworth Town Hall or apply online by this date. Those living elsewhere must apply to their home borough by the same date.

This crucial deadline applies to parents and carers of children who were born between September 1, 2002 and August 31, 2003.

Parents can find out more about the borough's 11 state-funded secondary schools and detailed information on how to apply for a place by reading the council's 'Choose a Wandsworth Secondary School' brochure.

The brochure and other helpful information about the application process can also be found at www.wandsworth.gov.uk/admissions. This is the same web address that parents and carers should use to make an online application.

Copies of the brochure can also be obtained by emailing admissions@wandsworth.gov.uk or by telephoning (020) 8871 7316. Staff on that number can also help with any other queries parents and carers may have. 

Parents who submit their school choices by the October 31 deadline will be told the outcome of their applications at the beginning of March next year.

The council's cabinet member for education Cllr Kathy Tracey said: "Parents have many excellent secondary schools to choose from in Wandsworth.

"Our aim now is to do all we can to help parents make the right choice for their children. That is why we have arranged these two important public meetings, where they can find out more about the admissions process and ask any questions that are on their mind.

"It is why we have also produced a very helpful brochure that contains a wealth of information about local schools and offers a step-by-step guide to the applications process.

"In the weeks leading up to October 31 parents should take advantage of the opportunity to visit individual schools. They will be able to speak to staff and form their own opinion of the school's suitability for their son or daughter. It is also very important that they read the admissions criteria for the schools they are interested in, to get an idea of whether their child is likely to be offered a place.

"Parents can apply to up to six schools in any part of London, but they are always strongly advised to include at least one that is close to home."

September 6, 2013