More Cambs pupils get places in their first choice secondary schools

MORE pupils in Cambridgeshire will be attending their first choice secondary school in September than ever before, according to new figures. Students across the country were sent letters on Monday (March 1), detailing whether they have a place at their fi

MORE pupils in Cambridgeshire will be attending their first choice secondary school in September than ever before, according to new figures.

Students across the country were sent letters on Monday (March 1), detailing whether they have a place at their first, second or third choice secondary school.

In Cambridgeshire, 94.1 per cent have been offered a place at their first choice school. A further 3.5 per cent have been offered a place at their second or third choice, while 2.4 per cent could not be offered any of their preferences.

Last year's figures showed that across the country as a whole, 83 per cent of pupils were offered a place at their first choice of secondary school. In the east of England the total was 84.7 per cent.

In Cambridgeshire last year, 90.2 per cent of pupils received an offer at their preferred secondary school, and 3.82 per cent an offer at their second or third choice.

The council's success this year was achieved despite nearly half the county's secondary schools being oversubscribed.

Cllr David Harty, cabinet member for learning said: "This is an exceptional achievement, and one the county council should be extremely proud of. It is very important that pupils are offered a place in their own choice of secondary school wherever possible, and I have been very impressed with the hard work of our admissions team to make sure this has happened in the vast majority of cases. Congratulations to everybody concerned.