The number of children offered a place at their first choice of secondary school has risen this year, Kent County Council says.
The authority has announced that more than 17,500 pupils across the county have secured spots at their favourite school, rising from 78.62% of students to 80.59%, an increase of 2.5%.
It comes as 21,767 parents and carers were told yesterday (Monday, March 3) which schools would take their children in September.
Meanwhile, more than 96% received an offer from one of their four preferred schools.
The number of those offered their second, third or fourth preference has decreased slightly due the rise in those securing a place at their first, Kent County Council (KCC) says.
Of this year’s cohort, 646 children – 3.66% – were not offered one of their preferences. This is the lowest proportion of children allocated a place by KCC since 2016.
The council says it cannot always grant children a place in their preferred schools.
It added “in most cases” where parents had not filled in all four choices.
KCC’s cabinet member for education and skills, Rory Love, said: “I am pleased to see 2.5% more children have been offered their first-preference schools this year, and that 96% will be going to one of their preferred schools in September.
“As always, I pay tribute to our dedicated officers in the KCC admissions team who have been working tirelessly to make sure we offer school places to nearly 22,000 pupils.
“Where it has not been possible to match pupils with one of their preferred schools, I would like to assure families that today marks the first stage within our comprehensive school place allocation process.
“Pupils and families can now focus on making the most of their final year of primary school and begin preparing for the move to secondary school.”
KCC says it will support the families that were not granted places in their first four choices by allocating them a place at an alternative school.
This year, parents will automatically be enrolled on any waiting list they are eligible for of a higher preference they were not offered.
Families can also request to join the waiting list of any school of any lower preference they were not offered by Monday, March 17.
They can also appeal directly to the admissions authority of any school that could not offer their child a place.
Appeals must be lodged by Monday, March 31.
People can get further advice by emailing kent.admissions@kent.gov.uk quoting your child’s Pupil ID.
KCC will hold a second round of offers on Thursday, April 24 for any spaces that become available.
