Nearly 90 per cent of youngsters across Leicestershire have secured a place at their first choice of secondary school

Nearly 90 per cent of youngsters across Leicestershire have secured a place at their first choice of secondary school.

A total of 88.9 per cent have been offered their preferred option, 5.2 per cent their second choice and 1.3 per cent their third, new figures show.

This year has seen 7,513 applications received with an increase of 113 students compared to last year.

A total of 95.4 per cent have a place at one of their top three choices.

Children and parents are being notified about their school places by Leicestershire County Council.

Cllr Deborah Taylor, the council’s cabinet member for children and families, said: “We’re very pleased that almost 90 per cent of pupils have secured their first choice of school and our figures are broadly in line with last year.

“These remain encouraging figures.

“Particularly bearing in mind we have more children in the system and parents/children are able to exercise their right to apply for a preferred school place.”

She added: “We also recognise that not everyone has secured one of their preferred choices.

“We advise anyone needing advice to get in touch with our admissions service as soon as possible to discuss what options may be available to them, including their entitlement to appeal.”