Wiltshire families that need secondary school places for children starting in September 2024 have until the end of this month to apply.

The national deadline date for applications to secondary school is Tuesday, October 31st.

Missing this date can affect the chances of a child getting into their preferred school.

According to data from Wiltshire Council, 81 families in 2023 were allocated to a school that was not on their list of preferences.

158 families received an offer at their second preference school and 13 families received an offer at their third preference school.

However, 95% of families were offered a place at their first preference school.
 
This was above the national trend for 2023, which was 82.6% of all secondary school applicants with an offer from their first preference school.

This figure had dropped from 83.3% in 2022.

This year, Wiltshire Council received a total of 5,087 applications, which was 166 fewer applications than in 2022.

99% of these applications were made online, with only 46 paper applications being sent throughout the county.

Information about designated schools and the 2024 application process can be found on the council website.

Families can apply for up to three schools and should indicate these in order of preference.

Those who live in Wiltshire but wish to send their children to school outside the county must still send their application to Wiltshire Council.

Online applications can be made after the deadline but the council has warned this makes families less likely to secure a place at one of their preferred schools.

Councillor Laura Mayes, cabinet member for children, education and skills, said: “Thanks to all those parents and carers who have already applied for their preferences for their child for secondary school places for September 2024.

“I would like to remind everyone of the deadline for applying which is looming.

“All parents and carers want the best school for their child and I would say submitting the application on time will provide the best opportunities for this.

“Families can visit our website where there is important information on how to follow the simple process.

“I’d urge families to make their preferences online where possible and ensure the application is in before the deadline day.”