Suffolk parents and carers are reminded to apply for primary school places for September this year

Parents and carers have less than two weeks to apply to secure their child’s place at a primary, infant or junior school for this September.

Suffolk County Council, the local education authority, is reminding people they have until Monday, January 15, to submit an application for children who are due to start primary school next academic year.

Applications should be made for children born between September 1, 2019, and August 31, 2020, who are due to start primary school from September.

An application for a full-time school place must be made even if a child is already attending a nursery class in an infant or primary school, a pre-school or a family hub next to a school site.

Last year, Suffolk County Council offered 95.8 per cent of children a place at the primary school their parent/carer listed as their first preference.

If parents/carers do not apply by the closing date, their application may not be dealt with until after places have been offered to those who applied on time.

Cllr Rachel Hood, cabinet member for education, SEND and skills at Suffolk County Council, said: “Parents and carers need to apply for a school place before 15 January 2024.

“This will give them the best chance of securing a place at their preferred school.

“We recommend applying for more than one school and up to three schools can be listed in order of preference.

“It is also important that parents and carers consider how they will get their child to and from school before making a school application.”

If you are planning to move house, or you think your circumstances may change before September, it is still essential to make an application on time, the council said.

Applications should be made online as this will mean parents/carers will receive a confirmation of their application.

They can then log onto the online service on the National Offer Day (Tuesday, April 16) to see their school place offer and they will also be sent an email to confirm this offer on the same day.

If a parent or carer is unable to apply online then they should complete a paper application (CAF1), however these cannot be acknowledged, so it is suggested they obtain proof of postage.

For those who completed paper applications, offer letters will be sent out by second class post on the National Offer Day.

School Travel eligibility is based on a child attending their nearest suitable school that would have had a place available. This might not be the catchment area school.

To find out more about SCC’s school travel policy see here.

Applications for school places can be made here, where further advice and guidance is also available. Alternatively, parents and carers can call 0345 600 0981 for a paper application (CAF1).