Days left until secondary school application deadline

THE deadline for parents and carers to apply for their child’s secondary school place is fast approaching.

Families with children in Year 6 have until midnight on Saturday, October 31 to submit their applications for September 2027.

Every year there are families whose children would have secured a place at their preferred school had their application been made before the deadline.

Cllr Paul Soane, East Sussex County Council lead member for education, inclusion, special education needs and disability, said: “Last year we were able to allocate 95 per cent of children a place at one of their preferred school, but there were families whose children missed out because they missed the application deadline

“Although places at preferred schools are not guaranteed, submitting your child’s application on time gives them the best possible chance.”

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 Apply for a secondary school | East Sussex County Council

Anyone needing help with their application can visit their local library, email admissions@eastsussex.gov.uk or call 0300 33 09 472 between 10am and 3pm Monday to Friday.

Families will be advised of their child’s secondary school place on national offer day on Monday, March 1, 2027.

Ends.

Wednesday, 14 October 2026