Children of school staff in East Sussex to gain more priority in admissions

On Monday (February 27), Bob Standley, East Sussex County Council’s lead member for education, approved the authority’s school admission arrangements for 2024/25.

The annual report sets out any changes to the way in which pupils are admitted to the council’s maintained schools. The 2024/25 changes are more extensive than in recent years, with changes set for several areas.

The most widespread change will come in how school places are assigned in areas with high demand, with a new policy set to see children of staff prioritised above most others.

A prioritisation system already exists within East Sussex schools, with children in care, the siblings of existing pupils and children coming from linked schools being eligible for places above other children within a school’s catchment area.

The change would see children of staff prioritised above those coming from linked schools, but below those who have a sibling already at the school in question.

Another change will see changes to the catchment areas of schools in Willingdon, Polegate and Eastbourne, as a result of a major housing development.