In just a few hours pupils in Year 6 will find out which secondary school they will be going to in September.

Figures show a fifth of primary children in Medway will not be going to their first choice school, although 95% got one of their top six options.

Today is National Offer Day when 10 and 11-year-olds discover where they will move on to from primary school.

In Medway, the proportion of children being accepted into their first choice has dropped for a third year in a row.

In 2013 85% were allocated their ideal place, in 2014 that fell to 81% and it has dipped slightly again this year at 80%.

The number of children keeps increasing, and there were 200 more pupils needing places for this September compared to in 2013.

While 2,499 of the 3,095 Medway children offered places got their first choice this year, in 2013 just 2,424 did. Proportionally though, that is a fall as fewer children applied overall in 2013.

However, 5% did not get into anyof the six schools they selected, which equates to around 155 children. They will have been assigned a place at an alternative school.

Independent education advisor for Medway, Peter Read said: "Medway's parents will be disappointed that the number of first choices is down and the number of children not getting into any of their chosen schools is up.

"There is a polarisation of schools in Medway, where the popular schools are getting more popular. Parents are trying to avoid certain schools, particularly with non-selective schools."

Barbara Peacock, director of Children and Adult Services at Medway Council, said: "I’m pleased that many children have gained places at one of their chosen secondary schools, of which we have a great selection in Medway. I wish the children all the very best and hope they enjoy the next exciting stage of their education.”

The school admissions process for Medway is a huge task. As well as Medway’s applications the council’s Student Services Admissions Team also had to process an additional 429 out of area children this year.

Almost all parents submitted their preferences to the council online and those who provided an email address will receive the offer by email after 4pm today.

Did your child get into the school they wanted, or are they one of the 5% facing a school they did not ask for?

Email medwaymessenger@thekmgroup.co.uk, ring 01634 227830 or write to: Medway House, Ginsbury Close, Sir Thomas Longley Road, Medway City Est, Strood, Kent,ME2 4DU.