Kent's top ten most popular schools were revealed today as this year's secondary intake started finding out if they got their first choice.

Thousands of families who applied for places online were sent an e-mail at 4pm telling them the school their child will start at this September.

And those who applied on paper will be notified by post in the next few days.

There was fierce competition for places as more than 15,400 children scrambled for a place in Kent County Council's area.

The most popular school was Leigh Technology Academy, in Dartford, which was the only one to get more than 1,000 preferences for its 240 available places.

Fulston Manor School, Sittingbourne, was the second most popular followed by Westlands School, Sittingbourne, and The Charles Dickens School in Broadstairs.

Valley Park Community School, Maidstone, was fifth and St Georges C of E Foundation School in Broadstairs was sixth.

Then came Homewood School and Sixth Form in Tenterden, Maplesden Noakes School in Maidstone, The North School in Ashford and Dartford Grammar School.

Figures show around 17 per cent of 10 to 11-year-olds will miss out on their first choice, compared to 20 per cent last year.

More than 97 per cent of families have been offered one of the four choices they made.

Those who did not get one of their four choices are allocated a school place by KCC.

Sarah Hohler, KCC Cabinet Member for Education, Learning and Skills, said: "It is a massive task to match children to one of their chosen schools.

"I hope the vast majority are pleased with the place they have secured.

"Every year we receive many more applications than places – such is the popularity of our schools.

"1,670 children from out of county have chosen to apply for Kent schools, although only about 30 per cent of these could be offered a place.

"Although 97 per cent have been offered one of their four choices, that is little consolation to those families who have had a place allocated because their preferred schools were full.

"While I understand how disappointing this is, it is very early days and there will be substantial movement in the coming weeks.

"In the first instance we would recommend they visit the school they have been offered, speak to the teachers and get a feel for that school.

"If the parents are still not happy they can join the waiting lists for their preferred schools and lodge an appeal.

"There are a wide variety of schools in Kent including academies, faith schools, grammars, high schools, specialist schools and wide ability schools: all needs and abilities are catered for.

"It is a changing picture with more and more secondary schools opting for academy status.

"High schools that transfer become wide ability schools that offer a broad and balanced curriculum for students of all abilities.

"I would like to wish every child all the best for the future.

"I hope they make the most of these last few months at primary school before moving on to the next exciting stage of education."

A specialist KCC team is on hand to help parents with any queries they may have.

The telephone number is 01622 696565.

Or they can speak to a Choice Adviser, who will be able to offer independent advice on 01622 694073 or 01622 694065.