Parents of pupils starting secondary school in September will find out today if their children have got into their preferred school.

Essex County Council will reveal today to about 15,000 parents which school their child will be headed in the new education year.

Almost 86 per cent of students have got their first choice and 7.7 per cent will go to their second choice school.

Councillor Ray Gooding, Essex County Council’s cabinet member for education, said: “I am delighted we have once again been able to provide so many children with a preferred school place.

“This achievement is testament to the hard work of admissions staff, schools and those involved in planning expansions, as well as our continued investment in creating additional school places.

“We are creating 2,195 new school places for the 2016/17 academic year and plan to spend £364million over the next three years on delivering thousands more.

“I would like to wish all pupils starting secondary school in September the very best for the years ahead.”

• Are you happy with your child’s school place? Send your views to editor@saffronwalden-reporter.co.uk.