97% of pupils get one of top three choices of secondary school for September

97% of year six children in Southend-on-Sea will be starting secondary school at one of their top three choices of school this September.

Colouring pencils, a pair of glasses, books and an apple all placed on a desk in front of a school child.

Southend-on-Sea City Council has released data on secondary school allocations from ‘national offer day’ on Friday 1 March 2024.

Out of 2,025 applications, 84% received a place at their first choice of secondary school, matching last year's figures.

Cllr Helen Boyd, cabinet member for children and learning, said: “I am very pleased that 84% of applicants received offers for their first preference and 97% have one of their top three. This is second consecutive year that 97% of our residents have received offers for one of their top three choices, which is great news.

“Every year the whole team works hard to ensure that those who have applied are offered a place.

“It is great that the majority of pupils have got their preferred school place, but we are always conscious that there are a small number of disappointed families who did not receive any of their top three choices, and I would like to encourage those families to communicate any concerns they may have with the school admission officers.

“The Council remains committed to supporting and continually improving all of our schools across the City, which will help to ensure that there are sufficient places offering good quality and choice to local parents and carers.”

2024

  Total Percentage
Number of SCC Pupils who applied for a secondary school place 2025 -
Number of Pupils offered their first preference 1697 84%
Number of Pupils offered their second preference 177 9%
Number of Pupils offered their third preference 81 4%
Number of Pupils offered a place that was not on their application form 34 2%

2023

  Total Percentage
Number of SCC Pupils who applied for a secondary school place 2146 -
Number of Pupils offered their first preference 1811 84%
Number of Pupils offered their second preference 184 8.5%
Number of Pupils offered their third preference 79 4%
Number of Pupils offered a place that was not on their application form 40 2%

2022

  Total Percentage
Number of SCC Pupils who applied for a secondary school place 2195 -
Number of Pupils offered their first preference 1865 85%
Number of Pupils offered their second preference 189 9%
Number of Pupils offered their third preference 19 1%
Number of Pupils offered a place that was not on their application form 60 3%

Visit our Admissions page for further information.

Published: 4th March 2024

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