MORE than three quarters of families in Bradford who applied for secondary school places for September have been given their first choice.

It was announced this morning that 76.6 per cent of pupils across the Bradford District will receive their first preference -up from 75.4 per cent last year.

The number of children allocated their first preference secondary school place has increased again to a six-year high.

The figures have been released as part of Secondary Allocation for National Offer Day. They show that 6,258 children will be offered their first preference school, an increase of 201 when compared with the previous year.

However, almost one in ten families will not have been allocated a school in their top three choices.

Bradford Council’s Admissions Team invited parents to log into their online account, to view their allocated school, after midnight on 1st March.

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Emails were sent to parents after 8am today, to those who applied online, to confirm the outcome of their application and provide additional information.

Parents and carers who did not apply online have been sent letters directly to their home address by first class post. Any parent or carer who applied online but indicated that they did not wish to receive an email will also be sent a letter. Parents who are expecting letters are asked not to contact the Admissions Team before March 3 to allow time for their letters to arrive. Allocations will not be disclosed over the phone.

Councillor Imran Khan, portfolio holder for education, employment and skills, said: "It is fantastic that we have been able to allocate more Bradford families their first preference of secondary school this year despite an increase in the number of children set to take this important step in September.

"Of the 8,167 total applications from families for a secondary school place, more than 93 per cent have been allocated a school they have preferred.

"We continue to work hard to ensure our secondary schools have the capacity to meet the demand for places. we appreciate how much it means to families to secure a place for their child at their preferred school and try very hard to achieve this where possible."