Secondary school applications close on 31 October

Why it matters: The council is encouraging families to apply on time for the September 2027 secondary school intake, as late applications may not be processed until after places have been offered to those who applied by the deadline - reducing the chances of securing their first choice.

The details: Applications can be made at www.suffolk.gov.uk/admissions, where further guidance is also available.

• The council recommends applying online, as families will receive an acknowledgement that their application has been submitted.
• Those unable to apply online should complete a paper application (CAF1). Proof of postage is recommended, as paper applications cannot be acknowledged.
• Families planning to move house before September 2027 should still apply by the closing date using their child's current address.

By the numbers: Last year, Suffolk County Council received 7,742 on-time applications for Year 7 places starting in September 2026.

• Of those, 92.9% of applicants were offered their first-preference school.
• In total, 97.8% received one of their three preferred schools.

What they're saying: Councillor Tony Gould, Suffolk County Council's cabinet member for education and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), said: "Parents and carers should submit their application by 31 October 2026 to give their child the best chance of securing a place at one of their preferred schools. Otherwise, it may not be processed until after places have been offered to those who applied on time."

He added: "We also strongly encourage families to consider their choices carefully and recommend that they apply for more than one school."

What's next: The council says families should also consider how their child will travel to and from school before applying.

• Children are eligible for Suffolk County Council-funded school travel if they attend their nearest suitable school that would have had a place available and meet the distance criteria.
• Families can check their nearest school at nearestschool.suffolk.gov.uk and find out more about the council's School Travel Policy at www.suffolkonboard.com/schooltravel.

Offers will be made on National Offer Day, Monday, 1 March 2027.

• Families who applied online can view their offer by logging on to the Online Service, and will also receive an email confirmation that day.
• Offer letters will be sent by second-class post on the same day to those who completed paper applications.

The bottom line: Applying by Saturday, 31 October, gives families the best chance of a place at a preferred secondary school, with more than nine in 10 on-time applicants offered their first choice last year.

Apply now at www.suffolk.gov.uk/admissions

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