Primary school applications are now open for children who are due to start primary school in September 2012.

People have until Monday 16 January 2012 to apply for their preferred schools.

Parents can do so online here and register all their details and select up to three schools.

Paper copies of the application form are available from primary schools or by calling Kent County Council's Admissions Team on 01622 696565.

There is a lot of information online about the county's primary schools here, including a database of schools and frequently asked questions.

Families have 10 weeks to submit their application. It's not first come, first served, so there is plenty of time to visit nearby schools and select your preferred ones. The online application system is really user-friendly and last year more than 90% of parents applied through the KCC website.

All families that applied will be sent a letter on Friday 30 March 2012 to tell them which school they have been offered. Families that applied online will be sent an email after 4pm on the same day.

Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2011©