Majority Of West Sussex Pupils Offered First Choice Secondary School

West Sussex County Council says every child in the county who applied for a secondary school place this year has been offered one.

This week marked National Offer Day, when families across England find out which secondary school their child will attend from September.

In West Sussex, there were 8,906 secondary school applications this year – a slight decrease compared to last year – with every applicant receiving an offer of a place.

Figures released by the council show that 7,707 applicants (86.5%) have been offered their first preference school, while 97.1% of pupils have been offered one of their three chosen schools – a slight increase on last year’s figure of 96.9%.

Councillor Jacquie Russell, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Learning, said:

“Offer day is a key milestone on the journey into secondary education, and I know that many young people will have been awaiting their offer with great anticipation.

“I am pleased that we have once again been able to offer the vast majority of families one of their three preferences.

“I would like to thank schools for working with our Admissions Team, and especially those schools who have offered additional places to help secure the preferences of more families.

“A small number of pupils have not been offered a place at one of their preference schools, as is the case every year, and I appreciate that there will be some who are understandably disappointed with their offer.

"We will always work with families to ensure a suitable school placement can be found.

“I hope that all children currently in Year 6 enjoy their final term at primary school.

"I would like to wish you all good luck as you start your secondary education in September.”

The council says its Admissions Team continues to explore ways of giving parents and carers more information about the process, including attending secondary school open events and holding briefings in areas where demand for places is high.

Parents, carers and pupils who wish to discuss their offer or explore options such as an independent admission appeal can contact the council’s admissions team for further support.

The council has also highlighted resources available on its eWellbeing page to help children who may be feeling nervous about starting secondary school.