Student Admissions
Applying to The Eastbourne Academy
Secondary phase admissions (Year 7 - September 2026)
Applications for Year 7 places are managed by ESCC.
You will need to apply for a place at the school you would like your child to attend. You
can do this by completing an application form via this link: ESCC Apply for a Secondary
School
You can name up to 3 different schools. Listing more than one:
● won’t affect your first preference.
● will increase your chances of an offer at a school you prefer.
ESCC will contact you on 2nd March 2026 to let you know which school your child has been allocated to.
Key Dates
12 September 2025: Open date for applications
31 October 2025: Closing date for applications
2 March 2026: Decisions sent by email
27 March 2026: Deadline for submitting appeals
12 June 2026: ‘On time’ appeals heard
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I apply?
Applications open on 12th September 2025, and you must submit your application by 31 October 2025. Missing this deadline significantly reduces your chances of getting a preferred school.
How do I apply?
Apply online through the East Sussex County Council Website. You will need to complete an application via this link: ESCC Apply for a Secondary School. You can name up to 3 different schools.
My child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
If your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) then the process for admissions is different. Please click the link to find out more - Children with SEND - As part of the EHCP process, you will be able to express a preference for an educational placement of your choice. This will happen when you first get the EHCP or when your child moves to a different phase of education. You can also ask for a change of placement at an annual review. You should discuss your preference with your Assessment and Planning Officer (APO).
What if I miss the deadline?
If you apply after the closing date, the request will be dealt with after all on-time preferences have been processed. This may affect your chances of securing a preferred school.
If you move into the area after the closing date you should apply for a school place as soon as possible. If you send in evidence of your house move, it may be considered as being on time.
I need to make a change to my application
If you wish to make changes to your application before the closing date, please email these to admissions@eastsussex.gov.uk and include your child’s name and date of birth.
When will I find out which school my child has been allocated to?
ESCC will contact you on 2nd March 2026 to let you know which school your child has been allocated to.
What if I don’t get my preferred school?
You can appeal the decision and your child can be placed on a waiting list at your preferred school. The best way to submit an appeal is online: Appeal Form. The deadline for submitting your appeal is 27 March 2026.
About Our School
- Uniform
- SEND
- Scholars
Transition process- what’s next?
If your child has been allocated a place at The Eastbourne Academy on the 2nd March, we will be in contact with you to begin the transition process.
To ensure a smooth transition from primary to secondary, we will be hosting multiple transition events between March and September. All information regarding these events will be sent to parents directly nearer the time. All parents will receive regular updates and essential guidance via email.
If you have any questions and would like to discuss, please contact us via email tea-admissions@swale.at or call us on 01323 514900 ext 309
In-Year Admissions
In-year school admissions refer to applications for a school place made outside the normal September intake. Common reasons include moving to a new house/area or a want to change schools.
In-year admission Applications are managed by ESCC.
Apply for a school place via the following link- ESCC apply for a place during the school year
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for an in-year school place?
Apply online through the East Sussex County Council Website - ESCC apply for a place during the school year
My child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
If your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) then the process for admissions is different. Please click the link to find out more - Children with SEND
When can I apply?
You can apply at any time during the school year.
Can I apply for more than one school?
Yes, it is recommended to apply for more than one school to increase your chances.
How long does it take to get a decision?
ESCC and The Eastbourne Academy will try to respond within 10-15 school days from receiving your application.
What if my preferred school is full?
Even if a school is full, you should list it on your application. You will be given the right to appeal if a place is refused, and your child can be added to the waiting list.
Should you need any help with completing your child’s application please contact the Admissions Team, by calling 01323 514900 ext 309 who will be happy to answer any questions you may have or email tea-admissions@swale.at
Waiting lists
The Eastbourne Academy is responsible for operating a waiting list for each year group where there are more applicants than places available. The waiting list is ordered, using our published ‘oversubscription criteria’. Details of the ‘oversubscription criteria’ can be found in our Admission Policy: Admission Policy 2025
If you have received a letter from The Eastbourne Academy denying your child a place because of lack of spaces, you can apply to go on the waiting list by contacting us directly either by phone, letter or email tea-admissions@swale.at If a place becomes available and you are top of the waiting list you will be sent an email from The Eastbourne Academy invites your child to take up the place. Please note our waiting lists are automatically cleared at the end of the academic year. You will need to contact the school in order to stay on the list.
Should you wish your child to be placed on our waiting list please contact the admissions team - tea-admissions@swale.at
Admission Policy
Admission Policy: Admission Policy 2025