West Sussex County Council has worked closely with schools to ensure that every child in the county who applied for a secondary school place this year has been offered one.
Today is National Offer Day and in West Sussex:
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There were a total of 8,906 secondary school applications, a slight decrease from last year, with every child offered a secondary place
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7,707 applicants (86.5%) will be offered their first preference school
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97.1% per cent of all applicants this year will be offered one of their three preferences, a slight increase on last year’s percentage (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 Admissions Team continues to look at opportunities to help give parents and carers more information on the process through attendance at secondary school open events and briefings for parents in areas where there are currently pressures. Admissions policies, including oversubscription criteria, can be found on the council’s website.
West Sussex County Council admissions officers are on hand to speak to parents, carers and pupils should they want to discuss their offer and the options available to them such as an independent admission appeal, by calling 03330 142903 or emailing admissions.south@westsussex.gov.uk or admissions.north@westsussex.gov.uk
Some children may be feeling nervous or worried about starting secondary school. The council's eWellbeing page has lots of resources to support the wellbeing of children and young people.
Do not worry if you haven’t yet received your offer; emails should be received no later than 5pm today.
