THE deadline for parents to apply for a Bucks primary school place or junior school transfer for their children is next week.

Parents have less than a week to get their applications into Buckinghsmhire County Council ahead of the deadline on Tuesday January 15.

Primary school places for the next academic year will soon be allocated to children born between September 1, 2008 and August 31, 2009, while parents of children in Year Two who wish to transfer to a junior or combined school in September 2013 also need to apply now.

Mike Appleyard, the council's Cabinet member for Education and Skills, said: "Buckinghamshire schools are very popular and many receive more applications than there are places. Submitting your application late, even by a day, can affect your child’s chances of being offered a place at one of your preferred schools.

"Our admissions service is here to help with any last-minute questions you might have about your local schools and completing the application form. You can also contact schools directly."

Applications can be made online at www.buckscc.gov.uk/admissions before midnight next Tuesday, while paper application need to submitted to the Admissions and Transport Team at County Hall before 5pm.

Parents who live outside Buckinghamshire should apply direct to their own local authority and include any Buckinghamshire school preferences.

For more information call the admissions service on 01296 383250 or email admissions@buckscc.gov.uk.