Last chance for secondary school applications in Worksop and Nottinghamshire

Nottinghamshire County Council is encouraging parents to 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 meet higher 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 the school criteria and using all four preferences on an application is key.

If parents only list one school on their application and there are no places available at that school an alternative offer is made – but this is not automatically at the catchment area school or the nearest school to their home.

Using all four school preferences gives parents and their child the best chance of getting a place at a school they are happy with.

Nottinghamshire residents need to apply to Nottinghamshire County Council even if their preferred schools are in other areas.

Secondary school offers will be made on the secondary school National Offer Day: March 1, 2023.

Councillor Tracey Taylor, Nottinghamshire County Council’s cabinet member for children and young people, said: “Starting a new school is a big milestone and this can be a nerve-racking time for families, but submitting a solid application can help to reduce that anxiety.

“It is very important that parents apply on time and it’s crucial that they identify four preferences. The good news is that last year, nearly 97 per cent of families that applied for a secondary school place on time were offered one of their preferred schools.

“I urge parents to please make sure they have read the admissions to schools guide and the admissions criteria for the schools they are interested in by visiting the council’s website.

“It can be heart-breaking when a child does not get the school place they want, but if parents have made sure to list four schools on their application, that truly is their best chance of getting a school that they are happy for their child to attend.”

For more information about the application process, schools, the number of places available or how places are allocated, please visit the website at www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/admissions or call 0300 500 80 80.