97% of pupils get one of top three choices of secondary school for September

March 7, 2024

97% of year six children in Southend-on-Sea will be starting secondary school at one of their top three choices of school this September.

Southend-on-Sea City Council has released data on secondary school allocations from ‘national offer day’ on Friday 1 March 2024.

Out of 2,025 applications, 84% received a place at their first choice of secondary school, matching last year’s figures.

Cllr Helen Boyd, cabinet member for children and learning, said: “I am very pleased that 84% of applicants received offers for their first preference and 97% have one of their top three. This is second consecutive year that 97% of our residents have received offers for one of their top three choices, which is great news.

“Every year the whole team works hard to ensure that those who have applied are offered a place.

“It is great that the majority of pupils have got their preferred school place, but we are always conscious that there are a small number of disappointed families who did not receive any of their top three choices, and I would like to encourage those families to communicate any concerns they may have with the school admission officers.

“The Council remains committed to supporting and continually improving all of our schools across the City, which will help to ensure that there are sufficient places offering good quality and choice to local parents and carers.”

Number of SBC Pupils who applied for a secondary school place - 2025

1 - Number of Pupils offered their first preference - 1697 - 84%

2 - Number of Pupils offered their second preference -177 - 9%

3 - Number of Pupils offered their third preference - 81 - 4%

4 - Number of Pupils offered a place that was not on their application form - 34 - 2%