West Sussex County Council has worked together with schools to again ensure that every child in the county who applied has been offered a secondary school place this year.
Today is National Offer Day and in West Sussex:
- There was a total of 9104 secondary school applications a slight decrease from last year, with every child offered a secondary place
- 7900 applicants (86.8%) will be offered their first preference school, which is slightly up on last year’s percentage (86.4%)
- 97.8% per cent of all applicants this year will be offered one of their three preferences, which is up on last year’s percentage (96.1%)
Jacquie Russell, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People, Learning and Skills, said: “Every day I see the difference that education and our schools make to the lives of our children and young people, helping them to fulfil their potential.
“I am pleased that we have been able to offer an increased number / large percentage of families one of their three preferences, with a large number securing their first preference.
“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.
“To all the children currently in year six I would like to wish you a happy and successful final term at primary school and good luck as you start your secondary education in September.”
As is the case every year, a small number of pupils have not been offered a place at one of their preference schools and we understand how disappointing this can be.
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, and this will be repeated for the process this year.
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. Our Your Mind Matters website has lots of resources to support the wellbeing of children and young people along with advice to help parents and carers.
If you are still waiting for your offer, you shouldn’t be concerned as emails should be received no later than 5pm today.
