PARENTS whose children are due to start primary or secondary school next year can begin applying for places from this week.

Durham County Council will be accepting applications for the school year beginning in September 2018 from Tuesday.

Anyone with a child who is due to turn five between September 1, 2017 and August 31, 2018 needs to complete an application form stating which primary school they would like their child to attend.

The deadline for applications for primary and junior schools is midnight on Monday, January 15.

Anyone with a child who is due to turn 11 between September 1, 2017 and August 31, 2018 needs to complete an application form stating which secondary school they would like their child to attend.

The deadline for secondary school applications is midnight on Sunday, October 15.

Application forms are available at durham.gov.uk/schooladmissions, where parents will also find application advice.

To request a paper application, call 03000 265 896.