Majority of pupils offered preferred school

The majority of pupils across Sussex have been offered their first-choice secondary school for September, according to council figures.

In Brighton and Hove, more than 83% of families received an offer for their first choice schools.

In West Sussex, 97% of applicants were offered one of their three preferences, while in East Sussex 85% of students got into their first choice school.

Both counties' figures were marginally up on last year.

West Sussex County Council (WSCC) also worked closely with schools to ensure that every child in the county who applied for a secondary school place this year has been offered one.

Councillor Jacquie Russell, cabinet member for children, young people and learning, said: "I am pleased that we have once again been able to offer the vast majority of families one of their three preferences."

Only five pupils in Birghton and Hove were not offered a place at one of their preferred schools, the local council said.

Deputy leader Jacob Taylor said that he was aware from speaking to head teachers prior that school open days were much busier this year as parents looked at more options than usual.

Russell said: "We will always work with families to ensure a suitable school placement can be found."

WSCC said admissions officers were 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.

Parents in Brighton and Hove can also appeal a school place decision if they are unhappy with their offer, with the submission deadline being 27 March.

Brighton & Hove City Council recommends that parents should still accept the place their child has been offered, as it will not affect their appeal and will guarantee their child a place if the appeal is unsuccessful.

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