Thousands of 10 and 11-year-olds have failed to get into their first choice of secondary school as offers were made across England, but the expected increase in demand for year 7 places in some big cities once again failed to materialise.
There were predictions that the proportion of children awarded a place at their top choice could hit a record low nationally this year as a result of a baby boom 11 years ago, but in London and Birmingham the number of applications and success rates were similar to last year.
In other areas of England, fewer children appeared to have gained places at their first choice of secondary school, according to a Press Association survey. Out of 33 councils polled, 18 reported a decline in the proportion of pupils getting their first preference.
Paul Whiteman, the general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, said: “There is extra pressure on secondary admissions this year as the pupil population bulge that has been moving through primary schools is currently hitting secondary schools. Many schools are particularly oversubscribed, especially in certain areas of the country.
“Until the government creates a national strategy to guarantee there are enough school places for every child in England, the annual anxious wait for families will continue.”
