Going to primary, infant or junior school
Latest: Admissions for children starting junior and primary schools in September 2009 open on 9 January 2009.
Most children join a primary school at age 4 and stay there until they are 11. Some children start at infant school, and these stay there until age 7, when they move on to junior school until the age of 11.
You can find a list of schools for four to 11 years olds in East Sussex on our school search page. For help, advice and support please call the East Sussex parents' helpline.
School applications
The 2009–10 admissions booklet contains full details about the admissions process, schools in East Sussex and how to apply for a school place.
Moving on from nursery education
If your child was born between 1 September 2004 and 31 August 2005, they can start school in September 2009. Admissions open 9 January 2009.
If your child goes to a nursery or a childcare setting registered with East Sussex County Council we will contact you in the January of your child’s final year. You will receive an application form and admissions booklet to apply for a place at a primary or infant school.
If your child’s nursery is not registered, or for any reason you do not receive an admissions booklet in January, please contact the School Admissions team, above.
We will try to allocate a place at one of your preferred schools. Where this is not possible we will allocate a place at the school nearest to your home address that has places available.
Moving on from infant school
If your child was born between 1 September 2001 and 31 August 2002, and they are currently attending an infant school, they can start junior school in September 2009. Admissions open 9 January 2009.
If your child is at infant school we will contact you in the January of their final year with an application form and booklet. Normally children at infant school go on to their nearby junior school, but you can apply for your child to join a primary school.
If you would like your child to move from infant to primary school, please contact the School Admissions team, above.
Moving to East Sussex
If you are moving to the county and you would like your child to start school in September please contact the School Admissions team for more information.
Changing schools during the academic year
If you are moving to East Sussex or within the county during the academic year and need a primary school place for your child, please first contact your local school. To find out what schools are in your area you can visit the school search page.
If the school is full, please read the admissions booklet for Sep 2008–09, complete the following form and return it to the School Admissions team, who will then discuss your application with the school:
It is important that you read the booklet before completing the form – it includes helpful guidance on the following:
- how to apply for a school place
- how to fill in the form
- how we will deal with your application.
If you are unable to download the booklet we can send you a copy. We can also help if English is not your first language. For more information contact the School Admissions team.
