Competition for school places at record high

THE proportion of families securing a place at their first-choice secondary school is on course to hit a record low, education leaders fear.

On Wednesday, families will find out which state secondary school has offered their child a place.

The number of children starting Year 7 in September has risen by around 40,000 to 640,000 in four years.

Prof Alan Smithers, director of the Centre for Education and Employment Research, said the success rate could fall below 80 per cent for the first time if the most sought-after schools have not expanded.

“Competition for places will have been at its highest ever, with the success rate even falling below 80 per cent for the first time, if more first-choice places have not been provided,” he said.

Teaching leaders have indicated that families should prepare for disappointment, particularly in affluent areas.

Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: “Schools, trusts and local authorities plan places to respond to demographic demand, but there is likely to be particular pressure on oversubscribed schools – generally those with good or outstanding Ofsted ratings located in affluent areas of the country.”

Councillors have been meeting with officials this week to discuss the pressures in areas of the country with high numbers of oversubscribed schools.

A Department for Education spokesman said: “Last year, 94.4 per cent of applicants received an offer from one of their top three choices. Pupils are also vastly more likely to be receiving a place at a good school than 10 years ago – with 86 per cent rated good or outstanding compared to 68 per cent then.”