Hundreds of families in Bristol have spent the past month window shopping – without even going near Cabot Circus.

They have been weighing up the benefits on offer in the increasingly "mixed economy" of secondary schooling in the city.

Remarkably, given the gloomy financial picture nationally and internationally, Bristol's remaining fee-paying schools are reporting a high level of interest.

The two private schools that switched this year to become state-funded independent academies – Colston's Girls' School and Bristol Cathedral Choir School – have had a lot of visits from prospective pupils and their parents.

It is equally unsurprising that the two newly-built schools opened in the last year – Bristol Metropolitan College in Fishponds and Brislington Enterprise College – attracted higher-than-usual numbers to their open days and evenings, while Bristol Brunel Academy, which opened last September and has achieved a spectacular rise in results and drop in exclusions, saw a 50 per increase.

Marius Frank, head teacher of Bedminster Down School, which moved into new buildings two years ago, thinks it is significant that more Bristol parents seem prepared to look at the city's secondaries.

"We might be low in the league tables still, but we are really making progress now," he said.

"No one is being left behind. When you look at Bristol's GCSE results based on what was expected of students when they arrived at age 11, you see sustained added value.

"This is what will attract parents back to our schools and improve confidence."

Many of the rebuilt secondary schools are close to the border with one of the neighbouring local authorities – North Somerset, Bath & North East Somerset or South Gloucestershire – and it is hoped they will help stem the drift of able pupils out of the city.

The remaining secondaries, including three church schools and council-run Ashton Park and St Mary Redcliffe, will see refurbishment work start in the new year.

In 2007 Bristol's school admissions team dealt with almost 4,000 applications for secondary places and the number is expected to be higher this year.

Parents have until 5pm on Friday to apply for a secondary school place for their child for September 2009. If they miss this deadline, their chances of getting their preferred school are lessened.

Families can request up to three schools. Places are allocated using strict criteria set out by each school. It is vital to think carefully about whether you meet these so that you have the best possible chance of being allocated your preferred school.

Parents should apply using a paper form or online using the secure e-admissions system at http://admissions.bristol-cyps.org. uk. There is a common application form for all state-funded schools, whether they are academies, trust schools, faith schools or council run.

Bristol parents wishing to apply to schools in other authority areas should also use the city council form, while parents in the neighbouring council areas should apply to their home authority.

It is important to note that many academies and church schools also require a supplementary form. Full details are available in the council's booklet or on the authority's website www.bristol.gov.uk.

All offers will be made on March 2, 2009.

"Schools in Bristol are changing fast and many are unrecognisable from just a few years ago with new facilities and improved standards. It is very disappointing for parents to miss their choice of school just because they forgot about the deadline for applications – don't let that happen to you," said Bristol's cabinet councillor for children, Peter Hammond.