Most Shropshire pupils will go to first choice schools
Nearly every child in Shropshire has won a place at their first choice secondary school next year, new figures revealed today.
Just 95 children out of 2,866 applicants missed out on their preferred school. Of those, 63 children were placed in their second choice.
But in Telford & Wrekin 188 of the 1,875 applicants missed out on their first choice place.
Thousands of parents across the country were today learning whether they would be able to send their 11-year-olds to the school they want, on what is known as National Offer Day.
Tens of thousands of youngsters are likely to miss out on their top pick. Last year, around one in six 11-year-olds in England did not get into their chosen school, according to official figures.
But Shropshire is bucking the trend with a record number getting their first choice. Figures from Shropshire Council show 97 per cent of applicants got places at their preferred school, with a further two per cent getting places at their second choice.
In 2011 and 2012, 94 per cent got their first choice.
In 2007 it was 92 per cent – the rate has risen steadily each year since.
Today's figures from also reveal that 232 people from outside the county applied for places at Shropshire secondary schools.
Figures from Telford & Wrekin Council show that 90 per cent of children got their first choice – up from 81 per cent last year – and 99 per cent were given a place at one of their top three choices.
Councillor Cecilia Motley, cabinet member for learning and skills at Shropshire Council, said: "We are really pleased that we have managed to secure such a high number of first choices for parents and pupils going to secondary school in the next academic year.
"It's actually been a record-breaking year, with almost 97 per cent of people getting their first preference.
"Nearly 92 per cent of applicants used the online service too, which is good news as that saves time and money and makes the whole process much easier for parents."
