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Deadline approaching for secondary school places in Suffolk
Parents and carers have until Thursday 31 October 2019 to submit an application to secure their child’s place at a Suffolk secondary school for September 2020. This includes high and upper schools.
Last year, Suffolk County Council received 7,719 applications from parents and carers indicating which secondary school they would prefer their child to be educated at from September 2019 in Year 7.
90% of applicants received offers for their first preference school and 97% of applicants received an offer for one of their top three preferred schools.
Parents and carers are also reminded to make themselves familiar with changes to Suffolk’s School Travel Policy, which came into effect this September. The new policy will assess eligibility for funded school travel to the nearest suitable school with a place available. This would be whether or not an application was made for a place at that school. More information about the changes is available at www.suffolkonboard.com/schooltravel.
Councillor Mary Evans, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Education and Skills, said: “Moving from primary to secondary education is a big step in any child’s life and making the right school preference is one of the most important decisions a parent makes on behalf of their child.
“I would urge all parents and carers to complete and submit their application by the closing date of 31 October 2019 to give them the best chance of securing a place at one of their preferred schools. Parents and carers can list up to three schools on the application form and we recommend applying for more than one school.”
A completed application must be submitted for every child requiring a Year 7 place at a high school or a Year 9 place at an upper school from September 2020. If you are planning to move house or you think your circumstances may change before September, it is still important to make an application on time.
Where possible, parents and carers should apply online where they will receive a confirmation email of their application. Completing a paper application (CAF1) is possible, however these cannot be acknowledged, so it is suggested parents and carers obtain proof of postage.
Families who apply online will be able to log on to the Online Service on the National Offer Day (Monday 2 March 2020) to see their offer of a school place, an email confirmation will also be sent on the day. For those who completed paper applications, offer letters will be sent out by second class post on the National Offer Day.
Applications can be made at www.suffolk.gov.uk/admissions, where further advice and guidance is also available.
ENDS
Councillor contacts:
Councillor Mary Evans (Con), Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills, 01284 789478, 07970 187864, 07714 597992, mary.evans@suffolk.gov.uk
Councillor Jack Abbott (Lab), Opposition Spokesperson for Education and Skills, 07590 627739, jack.abbott@suffolk.gov.uk
Councillor Penny Otton (Lib Dem) Leader of the Liberal Democrat, Green and Independent Group and Spokesperson for Education, 01449 737870, 07545 423847,