EIGHT out of ten children have been awarded a place at their first choice secondary school this year, according to Kent County Council.

County education chiefs say around 12,500 children of the 15,750 who applied for a secondary place have got the school they most wanted, a success rate of 80 per cent.

And in a further success, the number of children who did not get a place at any of the three schools they chose has dropped by more than 300 to 794 this year.

Parents across the country were notified earlier this month of the outcome of applications and KCC says that overall, the results compared favourably with last year, with around 90 per cent securing either their first or second choice.

Cllr Leyland Ridings (Con), KCC cabinet member for schools, said: “Although we still have some issues that need addressing, the scheme seems to be working for the vast majority of parents in the county.”

Under the Kent scheme, parents have until March 21 to return their form and ask for a place at a school placed higher on their form under the re-allocation scheme. Parents will be notified of the outcome of the first set of re-allocations on April 21 but there will be three other rounds up until July when further places may be offered if they become vacant.

Parents with any queries can call a KCC helpline on 01622 696565.