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91.9% of Suffolk pupils secure first-choice secondary school

Suffolk County Council has offered more than 9 in 10 pupils their first-preference secondary school for September 2025.

Why it matters: Nearly all families (97.5%) received offers for one of their three preferred schools, though approximately 195 children in the county did not get a place at any of their chosen schools.

Suffolk County Council sign on a building

By the numbers:

  • 7,831 secondary school applications were processed

  • 91.9% of pupils received their first preference

  • 97.5% received one of their three preferences

  • 2.5% (approximately 195 pupils) did not receive any of their preferred choices

What they're saying: "It is really positive that once again the majority of families have been offered a place at one of their preferred secondary schools," said Councillor Andrew Reid, Suffolk County Council's Cabinet Member for SEND and Education.

For parents who missed out: If a preference for a Suffolk school was refused, children will automatically be added to the waiting list for that school. Parents can also lodge an appeal.

What's next: Parents who received school place confirmations now need to consider transport arrangements. Those eligible for Suffolk County Council funded school travel will receive an email by Thursday 3 April 2025 with details of how to opt-in.

The bottom line: While most Suffolk families received good news on National Offer Day, a small percentage will need to navigate the waiting list or appeals process if they're unhappy with their allocation.

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Ellisons' new premises at Connexions on Princes Street, Ipswich

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Established for 260 years, Ellisons is a top 200 UK law firm and one of the region’s oldest, most established and fastest growing firms.
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SEN Santa sessions at Buttermarket this weekend

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Suffolk researchers test whether singing can treat Parkinson's 'poker face'

Researchers in Suffolk are launching what they believe is the first UK study testing whether musical-theatre-style singing can rehabilitate facial expression in Parkinson's patients – addressing a symptom that affects around 9 in 10 people but has limited treatment options.
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Woman fighting for life after hit-and-run on Burrell Road

A woman is in a life-threatening condition in hospital after being hit by a car whose driver fled the scene on Burrell Road in Ipswich this morning, with a man in his 30s now arrested in connection with the incident.
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Attwells Solicitors , Ellisons Solicitors and Start, Build & Grow

Ellisons' new premises at Connexions on Princes Street, Ipswich

Ellisons Solicitors

Established for 260 years, Ellisons is a top 200 UK law firm and one of the region’s oldest, most established and fastest growing firms.
Start, Build & Grow logo

Wanting to start or grow your business in Ipswich?

If you have a business idea you need help launching, or a new business you need support getting established, SBG is a fantastic free programme created just for you.
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Gym manager's childhood inspires hospital toy appeal

A Martlesham gym manager who spent much of her childhood in hospital has launched a toy appeal that has collected nearly 150 Christmas gifts for young patients at Ipswich Hospital.
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Attwells Solicitors , Ellisons Solicitors and Start, Build & Grow

Ellisons' new premises at Connexions on Princes Street, Ipswich

Ellisons Solicitors

Established for 260 years, Ellisons is a top 200 UK law firm and one of the region’s oldest, most established and fastest growing firms.
Start, Build & Grow logo

Wanting to start or grow your business in Ipswich?

If you have a business idea you need help launching, or a new business you need support getting established, SBG is a fantastic free programme created just for you.
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Police appeal for witnesses after Pearl Road burglary

Detectives are investigating a burglary at a home on Pearl Road in Ipswich on Monday evening, where jewellery and bank cards were stolen and used fraudulently.
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