Essex: Increase in the numbers of pupils getting their first choice of secondary schools

THERE has been an almost five per cent increase in the percentage of parents being offered their first preference of secondary school, Essex County Council revealed today (Friday March 1).

A total of 86.91 per cent of parents have been offered their first preference, with 7.11 per cent getting their second preference. This means that 94.02 per cent have been offered their first or second preference, up from 92.25 per cent last year.

Essex County councillor Stephen Castle, cabinet member for Education, said: “I am sure parents and pupils across the county share my delight at learning that even more pupils are securing their first choice of secondary school.

“We have some great secondary schools across the county and we are committed to continuing to work with schools to achieve a world class education system that parents and pupils will be proud of.

“I wish pupils and parents every success with starting this new phase of learning.”

Essex County Council received a total of 14,242 applications for secondary school places with 95 per cent now applying online.