Thousands of children are set to find out today if they have secured a place at one of Kent's 33 grammar schools.

Families will be able to find out whether their child has passed the new format of the eleven plus, which has been designed to make it less coachable in a bid to limit the amount of private tutoring that takes place.

Figures released by the county council indicate that this year, more children sat the test than did the previous year.

The number of children who are hoping for a place at a grammar school starting in 2015 was 12,990 compared to 12,064 who took the exam for a place starting this September.

At the same time, the number of places available at grammar schools has increased from 4,570 to 4,767.

Children will not be told which grammar school they have a place at as that will happen on National Admissions Day in March.

Families who registered online can log on after 5pm and view results for their child. KCC will also email families who registered online for the test after 4pm today.

Today marks the start of the application process for all secondary schools and parents are being advised to look carefully at all options.

"The next couple of weeks are an important time for families of Year 6 children" - Cllr Roger Gough

The deadline for secondary school applications for all children starting school in September next year is Friday, 31 October.

Cllr Roger Gough, cabinet member for schools, said: “The next couple of weeks are an important time for families of Year 6 children.

"It is time to decide which secondary schools are best placed to meet their child’s educational needs as they progress with their education career.

"Kent offers a rich and diverse mix of schools and parents should make use of all their available preferences naming the schools they want most in priority order."

Details of the secondary schools in Kent and how to apply can be found in the 'Admission to Secondary School in Kent 2015’ booklet available on the www.kent.gov.uk website.

Year 6 children can name up to four preferred schools. The easiest way to apply is online using the www.kent.gov.uk/olawebsite.