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Suffolk parents and carers have until October 31 to submit secondary school applications




Parents and carers have until the end of the month to submit an application to secure their child’s place at a secondary school for September 2025.

Applying after the closing date of Thursday, October 31, significantly reduces a child’s chances of getting a place at their preferred school.

Last year, 93 per cent of applicants received an offer for their first preference school and almost 98 per cent of applicants received an offer for one of their three preferred schools.

Cllr Andrew Reid, cabinet member for education and SEND, says it is important to submit secondary school applications by the closing date of October 31
Cllr Andrew Reid, cabinet member for education and SEND, says it is important to submit secondary school applications by the closing date of October 31

Councillor Andrew Reid, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for education and SEND, said: “It is important for parents and carers to complete and submit their application by the closing date of 31 October 2024 as this will give them the best chance of securing a place at one of their preferred schools.

“Parents and carers should carefully consider which secondary schools to apply for on behalf of their child. We recommend they apply for more than one school, and up to three schools can be listed on the application.”

A completed application must be submitted for every child requiring a Year 7 place at a secondary school.

For families who are planning to move house or think their circumstances may change before next September, it is still important to make an application on time using the child’s current address.

For further information, and to make an application, visit www.suffolk.gov.uk/admissions

Parents and carers should apply online as they will receive an email confirming that their application has been received.

If they are unable to apply online, they should complete a paper application (CAF1), however these cannot be acknowledged, so it is suggested parents and carers obtain proof of postage.

Before making a school application, parents and carers need to carefully consider how they will get their child to and from school.

School travel eligibility is based on a child attending their nearest suitable school that would have had a place available and where the distance criteria is met. This might not be the catchment area school.

To find out more about the council’s school travel policy please visit www.suffolkonboard.com/schooltravel

Families who apply online will be able to log on to the online service on National Offer Day (March 3) 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 National Offer Day.