The meetings, which are being held at Wandsworth town hall's civic suite, will give parents the chance to ask questions and learn more about the secondary school admissions process.

The meetings will be held on Tuesday, September 7 and Wednesday, September 8. Parents can attend between 7pm and 8.15pm on both evenings and ask admissions staff for information and advice about the secondary school transfer process. The civic suite is in Wandsworth High Street.

Even though secondary schools have not started the 2010 academic year, preparations for September 2011's intake have already started.

The deadline for people wishing to apply to a secondary school is Sunday, October 31 but parents are strongly advised to submit applications by Friday, October 22. Parents of children living in the borough must submit their application to Wandsworth Town Hall. Those living elsewhere must apply to their home borough by the same date.

This deadline applies to parents of children who were born between September 1, 1999 and August 31, 2000.

Parents are able to list up to six state schools in any part of the London on the same application form. This form will be provided to the families of all children who are just about to begin their final year at primary school. Applications can also be made online at admissions@wandsworth.gov.uk

To assist parents in making their decisions, and to give further information on how the admissions process works, the council is publishing a detailed brochure called 'Choose a Wandsworth Secondary School' which will be distributed to parents of Year 6 primary pupils at the beginning of term.

The brochure is full of helpful and useful information about Wandsworth's 10 state-funded secondary schools and their admissions criteria. It also contains details on other schools in neighbouring boroughs which are within easy traveling distance.

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

The brochure and other helpful information about the application process can also be found at www.wandsworth.gov.uk/admissions

Letters informing all parents of the outcome of their applications will be posted out first class on March 1, 2011. For those who make an online application the outcome will be available online from 5pm, March 1, 2011.

Executive member for children and young people Cllr Kathy Tracey said:
"There are many good secondary schools to choose from in Wandsworth and we want 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 parents can ask any question that's on their mind, and why we are also producing 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 every 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.

"The London-wide applications system means that wherever they live, parents can list up to six schools on a single form. These do not all have to be schools in their home borough – but it is always a good idea to include at least one that is close to home."

August 29, 2010