How do I pick the best school for my child?

It is a big milestone for both parents and youngsters and another sign that they are growing up fast.

But while it's only natural to feel nervous about ensuring you find somewhere where they will flourish and be happy for the next five to seven years, understanding the steps you need to take can make it easier.

Councils will shortly be sending out letters to families with information about the application process in their area. Most parents now apply online but paper applications are also available.

Each council co-ordinates admissions for all maintained schools in its area and will make the offer of places.

Up to six choices can be stated on the admissions application, depending on where you live, in order of preference and they can include schools outside the area.

It is vital that you do your homework and consider what type of education you want your child to receive and ask your son or daughter for their views too.

You might be considering whether you want a community school or an academy? Do you want to pay for a private education or send your child to a grammar school?

During this important decision process you will be looking at schools to see what teaching and sports facilities they offer pupils.

One of the best things families can do is to attend an open day because this will give a child the chance to get a feel for a place.

It's also an opportunity for parents to speak to the staff, pupils, and the headteacher.

Seeing the school first-hand will help you to really get a sense of what it is like and how it operates on a daily basis.

Keep your eyes open as you walk around classrooms and look at the student work on display.

Make notes either while you are there or as soon as you can afterwards if you plan to visit more than one school as it will help you to remember what you’ve seen and been told.

Also examine the results that pupils at the schools go on to achieve as well as the support offered inside and outside of the classroom.

As well as performance data, look at other factors such as the pupil to teacher ratio, the persistent absence rate and school meal uptake.

Also research what extra-curricular activities, such as sports and clubs, are on offer to pupils especially if your child already has a keen interest or hobby.

Above everything else, listen to your gut instinct – if something doesn’t feel right then maybe it’s not the right place for your child.

As you start the process, it's essential to remember that places are not allocated on a first come, first-served basis, so the date you submit your application, as long as it's before the deadline, will not affect the outcome.

All schools will consider applicants on an equal basis and parents are advised to put forward more than one choice.

The deadline for all applications is October 31. Councils will then send out confirmation of places on March 1.

Also, all applications will be considered against the admissions policy of the school concerned, regardless of which borough or county the child resides in.

It may differ depending on how the school is run – whether it’s the council, governing body or a trust.

Proximity will almost always come in to play because most schools will use this as one of the main criteria when considering applications.

While having siblings at the school already will also give applications extra weight.

Unfortunately, not everyone can get a place at their first choice of secondary school and there inevitably be some people left disappointed.

Popular schools will be oversubscribed meaning some applicants will miss out so it’s important to remain realistic when waiting to hear if you've been successful.

Parents can appeal if they feel the decision made is not reasonable or the procedure has not been followed correctly.

But if an appeal is unsuccessful, remember that your opinions and priorities may well change and the reasons why you ruled the school out may not matter so much in the future.

It’s possible that after your son or daughter starts you come to realise it was the best fit for them after all.

And when it comes to the first day, Peter Lee, Head of School at Q3 Academy Langley, says youngsters shouldn't feel worried about making new friends.

"I met my one of my best friends who was best man at my wedding on my first day at secondary school.

"Be friendly – be confident, perhaps if you see someone standing on their own go up to them and ask them their name.

"In the dining room consider sitting next to someone you don’t know and introducing yourself – perhaps asking what primary school they came from and what they’re most looking forward to at secondary school.

"Chances are they’ll be feeling the same as you," he advises.