Majority of young people in Sussex given preferred choice of secondary school
Children across the county will find out today which secondary school they will be going to in September
Children across Sussex are finding out today where they will be going to secondary school in September.
Out of the 9,280 applications made to West Sussex County Council, almost nine out of ten children were given their first preference, with 97.4% offered one of their three preferences.
Meanwhile, Of the 5,634 applications received by East Sussex County Council, almost 96 per cent of children have been given a place at one of their three preferred secondary schools, with 87.6 per cent securing their first preference.
Applicants submitting their preferences on time were more successful in getting a place at one of their preferred schools. The county council received 134 late applications this year.
West Sussex figures show:
- 8,110 of the total 9,280 applicants will be offered their first preference school (87.4%), similar to last year (87.9%)
- 97.4 per cent of all applicants will be offered one of their three preferences, a slight increase on last year (97.3%).
East Susses admission figures for 2022:
- Applications for secondary school places received for September 2022 - 5634
- Number of children given a place at their first preference school – 4938 (87.6%)
- Number of children given a place at their second preference school - 377 (6.7%)
- Number of children given a place at their third preference school - 90 (1.6%)
- Number of children given a place that was not one of their three preferences – 229 (4.1%)#
- Number of children who have not been allocated any place – 0 (0%)
Anyone still waiting for their offer shouldn’t be concerned as emails should be received no later than 5pm today.
Nigel Jupp, West Sussex Cabinet Member for Learning & Skills, said: “West Sussex primary school children have continued to show remarkable resilience and determination in what has been another academic year disrupted by Covid-19, so it is good news that, for a third year running, we are offering almost 90% their preferred secondary school.
“For all our schoolchildren moving from primary to secondary school, this is a big step and an exciting time for them and their families as they get ready for September.”
Cllr Bob Standley, East Sussex County Council’s lead member for education and inclusion, special educational needs and disabilities, said: “I am pleased that we have been able to offer the vast majority of East Sussex children a place at their preferred secondary school again this year.
“Planning starts well in advance to make sure there are enough school places to meet demand and I am delighted that, once again, we have ensured that everyone who applied has been offered a place at an East Sussex school.
“I wish the best of luck to all of those children embarking on their secondary school careers in September.”
In West Sussex, a very small number of pupils have not been offered a place at one of their preferred schools. We are advising parents, carers and students who wish to discuss their offer to contact our admissions teams, who are available to talk through their options, by calling 03330 142903.
Every application received in East Sussex is allocated in line with the published admissions policy. Anyone unhappy with the place they have been allocated can appeal and details of how to do this are available here.
Some children may be feeling nervous or worried about starting secondary school. The Your Mind Matters section on the West Sussex County Council's website has lots of resources to support the wellbeing of children and young people along with advice to help parents and carers.