by Paul Francis

Competition for places at Kent’s grammar schools could be even more intense this year after figures showed that the number of applications from outside the county has risen.

Kent County Council said that of the 5,295 children who passed the 11-plus this year, 1,156 do not live in the county - compared to 993 the previous year.

Although many of those out-of-county pupils eventually opt for places elsewhere, the increase raises the prospect of another squeeze on Kent families who could lose out.

It is also likely to trigger renewed calls on the government to allow more grammar school places to be created.

There are 4,475 places available at Kent’s 33 grammars this year, insufficient to meet demand on the basis of the number passing the test.

The rising demand for grammar places has intensified in recent years, particularly in west Kent. One reason appears to be that the recession has seen many families leaving private schools because they are no longer able to pay fees.

That pattern looks like being repeated this year with the pressure from out-of-county applications from places like East Sussex, Medway and London boroughs increasing.

According to county education chiefs, KCC saw close to 11,000 children sit the 11-plus this year - about 250 fewer than the previous year.

Parents this week received letters informing them of the results but formal offers of places at particular schools will not be made until March on National Admissions Day.

* Families of Year Six children starting secondary school in September 2011 now have just two weeks left to submit applications for particular schools.

The official closing date is Sunday 31 October but because of the half-term holiday, KCC will accept applications as ‘on time’ up until Friday 5 November.