PARENTS and carers are being urged to complete their child’s secondary school application ahead of the deadline at the end of the month.

Families with children in Year 6 who will be moving to secondary school in September 2023 have until midnight on Monday, October 31 to complete their applications.

Every year there are families whose children would have secured a place at their preferred school, if it were not for the fact that their application missed the deadline.

Cllr Bob Standley, lead member for education and inclusion, special educational needs and disability, said: “It’s really important that parents and carers get their applications in before the deadline to give their children the best possible chance of getting a place at their preferred school.

“From the applications submitted by the deadline last year, more than 95 per cent of children were given a place at one of their preferred schools, with more than 87 per cent getting their first preference.”

Applicants can select three preferred schools and can use the online mapping system on the East Sussex County Council website to search for the schools in their community area.

When only one school is chosen and there is no space available, the applicant will be allocated the nearest school with an available place, but only after everyone else’s preferences have been allocated.

To find out more about the application process and to apply for a place, visit www.eastsussex.gov.uk/admissions

Anyone needing help with their application can visit their local library, email admissions@eastsussex.gov.uk or call 0300 3309472 between 10am and 3pm Monday to Friday.

Ends.