FOUR out of five children going to secondary schools in Bradford this September have been offered their first choice - a slight rise from last year.

Bradford Council’s schools admissions team was able to offer almost 80 per cent of applicants a place at their first preference school.

The figures have been released as part of National Offer Day - the day when Year 6 children across the country learn which secondary school they will attend for the 2023-2024 academic year.

This year, 8,183 children applied for a secondary school place in the Bradford District by the deadline of October 31.

All of those who applied on time have been allocated a Year 7 place at one of the district’s secondary schools.

Of those, 6,534 children have been offered a place at their first preference school. This is an increase of 51 when compared to 2022 and is 79.85 per cent of those who applied.

Almost 95 per cent of families were offered a place at one of the schools they listed as their preferred options.

Councillor Imran Khan, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for education, employment and skills, was pleased with this year's numbers and is looking forward to welcoming new pupils to secondary schools later this year.

He feels it is important families are able to get their children into a school of their choice.

Mr Khan said: "It is pleasing that we have been able to offer more families a place at their first preference secondary school.

"We know how important it is to families to get their child into a school of their choice and we do our best to make this possible wherever we can.

“The council continues to work with our schools to make sure they have the capacity to meet the demand for places.

“We look forward to welcoming our new secondary school children starting in September.”

Bradford Council’s Admissions Team have sent emails to parents and carers who applied online confirming the outcome of their application.

Parents and carers who did not apply online will be sent letters directly to their home addresses by 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 Council before March 6 to allow time for their letters to arrive. Allocations will not be disclosed over the phone.