Parents and carers have just over a week to secure their children’s place at a primary, infant or junior school this September.
Suffolk County Council, the local education authority, is reminding people they have until Wednesday, January 15 to submit an application for children who are due to start school next academic year.
Applications should be made for children born between September 1, 2020 and August 31, 2021.
The deadline is approaching for primary school applications. Picture: iStock
An application for a full-time school place should 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, the council offered 96.5 per cent of children a place at a primary school their parent or carer listed as their first preference when they applied on time.
If a parent/carer does 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 Andrew Reid
Cllr Andrew Reid, cabinet member for education and SEND, said: “To have the best chance of securing a place at their preferred school, parents and carers need to apply for a school place by the closing date of 15 January 2025.”
“It is important that parents and carers consider how they will get their child to and from school before making a school application.
“We also recommend applying for more than one school and up to three schools can be listed in order of preference.”
If you are planning to move house or think your circumstances may change before September, applications should still be made on time using the child’s current address.
Applications can be made online or by completing a paper form (CAF1), which can be obtained by calling 0345 600 098.
However, these cannot be acknowledged, so it is suggested that proof of postage is obtained. Click here for further information or to apply.
For those who completed paper applications, offer letters will be sent out by second class post on National Offer Day (Thursday, January 16).
Applications made online will have a confirmation sent via email.
Parents/carers will be able to log into the online service on January 16 to see their school place offer.”