Primary school places are today being offered to children who will be starting school this September.
This year West Sussex County Council’s admissions team handled 9,133 applications and every child has been found a place. This year:
• 98.5% of those who applied were offered one of their three preferences
• 90.8% were offered their first preference school
Parents and carers who applied should not be concerned if they haven’t received their email offer yet – they are being sent before 5pm today (April 16, 2020).
Nigel Jupp, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “I am pleased to see such a high percentage of children receive one of their preference places. This year our admissions team and schools have together overcome the considerable extra challenges that the current circumstances present to again offer every applicable child a school place.
“I know that there will be concern amongst parents and carers regarding how the coronavirus will affect their child starting school this September. Though the situation remains uncertain, I want to assure people that we will be working closely with schools to ensure the least amount of disruption possible, for all West Sussex pupils.”
The admissions team also handled a total of 1,522 applications for children transferring to junior school. Of those 99.7% will today be offered one of their three preferences, with 99.5% offered their first preference school.
With regards to primary and secondary school admissions appeals, the Department for Education has advised local authorities that independent appeal hearings should not take place under the current circumstances. The County Council is working on establishing suitable alternative arrangements which will be communicated in due course.
