Secondary School Allocations announced today
Figures for Buckinghamshire show that 78.78% of the 6,931 children who applied for a school place were given their first-choice preference.
This compares to 77.9% in 2022 and bucks the national picture of having lower allocation of first choices than previous years.
According to the Local Government Association, a record number have applied for places as a spike in the birth rate 11 years ago means there are 640,000 children nationally looking to start year seven in September. This year’s cohort is the largest we have had in Buckinghamshire but slightly more were offered their first preference this year.
A total of 99.3% of children in Buckinghamshire who applied in this year's process received an offer of a school place today (Wednesday 1 March) and we will be working to make offers in the next round for the small number of children who we have not made an offer to.
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% of applicants received their second-choice placement and 4.27% were offered their third choice. Only a handful of children, (0.721%) have not yet been allocated a place. The reasons for this include late applications and preferences for schools far outside catchment or not meeting individual schools’ entry requirements.
Offers must be accepted by 11.59pm on 14 March 2023. 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/.
It should be noted that the figures announced today are not the final allocation figures. There are a further five opportunities for parents to be considered for places when some of the previously held places get released again - https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/schools-index/school-admissions/school-admissions-guides-policies-and-statistics/guide-to-moving-up-to-secondary-school/later-allocation-rounds/.