More Buckinghamshire children have been offered their first choice secondary school places this year.

Figures for the county show that 78 per cent of the 6,931 children who applied for a school place were given their first choice preference compared 77 per cent in 2022.

A total of 99 per cent of children in the county who applied in this year's process received an offer of a school place on March 1.

Anita Cranmer, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services said: “I know that the wait to find out what secondary school your child has been allocated can be a tense time for many families.

"The school system we operate in Buckinghamshire can sometimes cause complications with parents often listing their first choice as a grammar school, even if their child is unlikely to be eligible for this. However, I’m pleased that we have been able to support the majority of our families in finding the right school for their child, to help them continue their education in the school of their choice.”

Just over 10 per cent of applicants received their second-choice placement and 4% were offered their third-choice.

Only a "handful" of children, (0.721 per cent) have not yet been allocated a place for reasons including late applications and preferences for schools far outside the catchment or not meeting individual schools’ entry requirements.

Offers must be accepted by 11.59pm on March 14. 

Families who wish to appeal their allocation can do so by following the guidance given on the Council website https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/schools-index/school-admissions/school-appeals/appeal-a-secondary-school-decision/.