Nine in ten pupils given a place at their top school

Almost nine out of ten children have been given their first preference secondary school this year, West Sussex County Council has said.

Families were given the news of their child’s school placement on Tuesday.

The West Sussex figures show:

● 8,110 of the total 9,280 applicants will be offered their first preference school (87.4%), similar to last year (87.9%)

● 97.4% of all applicants will be offered one of their three preferences, a slight increase on last year (97.3%).

Nigel Jupp, Cabinet Member for Learning & Skills, said: “West Sussex primary school children have continued to show remarkable resilience and determination in what has been another academic year disrupted by Covid-19, so it is good news that, for a third year running, we are offering almost 90% their preferred secondary school.

“For all our schoolchildren moving from primary to secondary school this is a big step and an exciting time for them and their families as they get ready for September.”

A spokesman for WSCC said a very small number of pupils have not been offered a place at one of their preference schools, adding: “We are advising parents, carers and students who wish to discuss their offer to contact our admissions teams, who are available to talk through their options, by calling 03330 142903.

“Some children may be feeling nervous or worried about starting secondary school. Our Your Mind Matters website has lots of resources to support the wellbeing of children and young people along with advice to help parents and carers.”