Majority Of Sussex Pupils Offered First-Choice Secondary School Places

The majority of pupils across Sussex have been offered their first-choice secondary school for September, according to newly released council figures.

In Brighton & Hove City Council, more than 83% of families received an offer for their first-choice school.

In West Sussex County Council, 97% of applicants were offered one of their three preferred schools.

Meanwhile, in East Sussex County Council, 85% of students secured a place at their first-choice school.

Both counties reported a slight increase in figures compared to last year.

West Sussex County Council said it had worked closely with schools to ensure that every child who applied for a secondary school place this year received an offer.

Councillor Jacquie Russell, cabinet member for children, young people and learning at West Sussex, said she was pleased that once again the vast majority of families had been offered one of their three preferences.

In Brighton and Hove, the council said only five pupils were not offered a place at one of their preferred schools.

Deputy leader Jacob Taylor said that, from conversations with head teachers, school open days had been noticeably busier this year as parents explored more options than usual.

Councillor Russell added that the authority would continue to work with families to ensure a suitable school placement could be found where needed.

West Sussex County Council said admissions officers are available to speak to parents, carers and pupils who wish to discuss their offer or explore options such as an independent admission appeal.

Parents in Brighton and Hove who are unhappy with their offer can also appeal, with the deadline for submissions set for 27 March.

The council recommends that parents accept the place offered to their child, as doing so will not affect the outcome of an appeal and guarantees a school place if the appeal is unsuccessful.