It should be one of the most exciting times in the lives of Bristol parents and their children – the selection of a primary or secondary school.

For four-year-olds, this will be their first bold steps into the big world of school, where they will be mixing with children considerably older.

They will be facing a much longer day, with more intensive learning but most of all, it is a time when the youngsters begin to really develop some of the vital social skills which they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

For the 10 and 11-year-olds, in some ways the step is even greater.

To use a cliché, they will no longer be the big fish in a fairly small pond. They will be minnows in what must seem like an ocean.

The step to secondary school marks the end of being taught in one class with all the comfort that brings. They will be offered a huge range of exciting new subjects, sports and activities and they will be mixing with some students who are young adults rather than children.

Choosing the right secondary has a huge impact on every child's life.

It is incredibly exciting yet at the back of every parent's mind is the thought: "Are we making the right choice?"

At primary level, it is usually a local school which parents choose.

At secondary level, things are different.

Every parent wants the best for their child, so the task is incredibly difficult.

The child may have older siblings who have 'tested out' the school.

If not, the parents must consider the size of the school, its reputation, word-of-mouth advice, exam results, its facilities and whether they think it suits their child. In the end, while juggling all these factors, it may come down to a gut feeling.

Whatever the choice, one thing is for certain – as we say in our article today, it is vital that parents make their application on time in order to have the best chance of a place at the school of their choice.

In all their deliberations, we wish every parent well.