Why it matters: Suffolk County Council received 7,742 applications for secondary school places this year. While 97.8% of families were offered a place at one of their three preferred schools, and 92.9% secured their first choice, that still leaves a meaningful number of children without their preferred placement.
The details: Families who applied online can log in to the council's online service to view their offer. An email confirmation will also be sent, unless families have opted out of this. Those who applied by paper will receive a letter by second class post today.
If your child did not get their first choice: Children whose preferred Suffolk school application was refused will automatically be added to the waiting list for that school. Families also have the right to appeal, and the council says parents and carers will be advised on how to do so.
What's next: Once school places are confirmed, families should consider how their child will travel to and from school. Those eligible for Suffolk County Council-funded school travel will receive an email by Thursday, 2 April 2026, with details on how to opt in.
What they're saying: Councillor Andrew Reid, Suffolk County Council's cabinet member for education and SEND, said: "It is great to see that once again the majority of families have been offered a place at one of their preferred secondary schools."
He added: "We do understand that not all families will have received a place at their preferred school. If a parent or carer's preference for a Suffolk school has been refused, their child's name will automatically be added to the waiting list for that school. Parents and carers will also be advised how to lodge an appeal should they wish to do so."
The bottom line: The vast majority of Suffolk families have secured a preferred school place for September 2026 – but if your child missed out, waiting lists and appeals are available next steps.
