Has your child recently started in year 6? It’s time to apply for their secondary school place, says Nottinghamshire County Council

Parents of children who have started in year 6 this September are being reminded to submit their secondary school applications.

The application deadline on is Tuesday, October 31. Submitting before then gives the best chance of being offered a preferred school.

The county council is strongly advising parents in Nottinghamshire to list four preferences when applying for their child’s secondary school place for next year.

Those applying should look at the school admission arrangements to understand how their application would be considered for their preferred schools - making sure to include schools where their child would have higher priority within the criteria.

It is important for parents to remember that there is no guarantee of a place at a school even if they live in the catchment area or attend a linked primary school, which is why understanding each school’s admission criteria and using all four preferences on an application is key.

If there are no places available at the parents’ preferred school, an alternative offer may be made but this is not automatically at the catchment or nearest school. Places can only be offered at the next closest school with places available after all the on-time preferences have been processed. This means their child could be offered a place at a school further away.

Tracey Taylor, cabinet member for children and families, said: “Whilst next September may feel a long time away, having just started a new school year, it is very important that parents make sure their secondary school applications for next year are submitted on-time by Tuesday October 31.

“Please also use all four preferences on the application.

“I must stress that this does not necessarily guarantee your child a place at your preferred school but gives you the best chance of getting a school that you would be happy for your child to attend.

“The good news is that last year, more than 97% of families that applied for a secondary school place on time were offered one of their preferred schools.

“I would advise parents to visit the council’s website and make sure they have read the admissions to schools guide and the admissions criteria for the schools that they are interested in”.

Nottinghamshire residents need to apply to Nottinghamshire County Council even if their preferred schools are in other areas such as Nottingham City or Derbyshire.

The easiest way to apply is online at www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/schooladmissions. Those who apply online will receive email confirmation that the application has been received.

Secondary school offers will be made on the secondary school National Offer Day, Friday March 1 2024.