Why it matters: This applies to all children joining secondary school in Year 7 next September. Last year, 92% of on-time applicants received an offer for their first preference school, compared to significantly lower rates for late applications.
The details: Suffolk County Council received 7,831 on-time applications last year for September 2025 entry. Of these, 97.5% of applicants received an offer for one of their three preferred schools.
Parents and carers can list up to three schools on their application, and the council recommends applying for more than one school to maximise chances of securing a suitable place.
What they're saying: Councillor Andrew Reid, Suffolk County Council's cabinet member for education and SEND, said: "It is important for parents and carers to complete and submit their application by the closing date of 31 October 2025 as this will give them the best chance of securing a place at one of their preferred schools."
For parents: Applications should be made online at www.suffolk.gov.uk/admissions, where applicants will receive an email confirmation. Paper applications are available for those unable to apply online, though proof of postage is recommended as these cannot be acknowledged.
Families planning to move house or expecting circumstances to change before September should still apply on time using their current address.
What's next: Parents who apply online will be able to view their school place offer on National Offer Day, Monday, 2 March 2026, with email confirmations sent the same day. Paper applications will receive offer letters by second class post.
For context: Before applying, parents should consider school travel arrangements. Children are eligible for school travel if they attend their nearest suitable school with a place available and meet distance criteria, which might not be their catchment area school. More information is available at www.suffolkonboard.com/schooltravel.
The bottom line: With just two weeks remaining, Suffolk parents need to act now to secure their child's secondary school place and avoid the significantly reduced chances that come with late applications.
