Parents are being urged to apply online for primary and secondary school places.

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Lancashire County Council will release the school admission forms from Monday 2 September on its website.

It says last year 85 per cent of parents applied online for primary places, with 65 per cent using the web in the race for a secondary school.

County Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, cabinet member for children, young people and schools, said: “More and more parents are using the online option as a quick and easy way to apply for school places – it’s become really popular.

“What is important is applying on time. Each year there are late applications and they cannot be considered at the same time as those which come in on time, so I’m encouraging parents not to leave it till the last minute.

“Don’t forget that having a child at school does not automatically mean that his or her younger sibling will be allocated a place – you must still apply.

“I know how important it is to families to feel they have the right school for their child, so we’re doing everything we can to help, especially at present when the rising birthrate means that places are tight in some areas.

“I’d like to reassure parents, however, that officers within the county council are working hard to ensure that there is adequate provision of school places in areas of need.”

The application forms will be on the Lancashire County Council website, just log on and search ‘school admissions’.

Closing dates for secondary schools are 31 October and for primary schools it is 15 January.

Children start primary school in the September after their fourth birthday.

For advice, parents can call 01772 532 190