You have until Tuesday 15 January 2019 to make your application to secure your child’s place at a Primary, Infant, Junior or Middle school for September 2019.

Any child born between 01 September 2014 and 31 August 2015 is due to start primary school from September 2019.

An application for a full-time school place must be made by Tuesday 15 January 2019, even if a child is already attending a nursery class in an infant or primary school, a pre-school or a children’s centre next to a school site.

Councillor Gordon Jones, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills, said:

“I urge all parents and carers to complete their application by the closing date of 15th January to give them the best chance of securing a place at one of their preferred schools.  Parents and carers should apply online as this will mean they will receive a confirmation of their application. This method also allows them to log on to the online service on national offer day, to see their school place offer, they will also receive an email to confirm this offer on the same day.  If a parent or carer cannot apply online, then they should complete a paper CAF1 application form. Both applications can be accessed at www.suffolk.gov.uk/admissions or by calling 0345 600 0981.

Parents and carers can list up to three schools on the application form in order of preference and we recommend applying for more than one school.”

This year the Suffolk’s School Travel Policy has been amended, so it’s important that parents and carers understand how this could affect their child’s eligibility for Suffolk County Council funded school travel, as this may affect their school preferences.  

Suffolk County Council continued with its good track record of offering places at preferred schools with 94.6% of parents in Suffolk being offered a place for their child at their first preference primary school at the last national offer day. If parents and 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.

We are unable to acknowledge receipt of paper applications and therefore suggest that proof of posting is obtained. A completed application must be submitted for every child wanting a primary, infant, junior or middle school place from September 2019. If families are planning to move house or think their circumstances may change before September 2019, it is still important to make an application on time. Advice and guidance about this process is available at www.suffolk.gov.uk/admissions.

What happens on National Offer Day 2019?

Families who apply online will be able to log on to the Online Service on the National Offer Day, to see their school place offer, and will also receive an email to confirm this offer on the same day.

Offer letters will be sent by second class post to parents and carers who applied on a paper application form. Information to help parents and carers make their application is available at www.suffolk.gov.uk/admissions or by calling 0345 600 0981.