Parents are being warned they should apply now for a primary school place for their child - or miss out.
Essex County Council is urging mums and dads to make sure they are first in the queue to avoid disappointment.
The vast majority of children should be successful in securing a place at the preferred school if applications are received by March 31.
About 16,000 young children in Essex are due to begin their school life in September.
Brian Catt, senior manager of planning and admissions at Essex County Council learning services, said: "Parents have got to stress an interest in the school they want their child to go to.
"They cannot just assume they will get a place because they live near to the school.
"We have had situations where parents have lived 500 yards from the school gates but have been refused a place because they did not apply in time."
By Louise Fuller
Reporter's e-mail: louise_fuller@thisisessex.co.uk
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