More than nine out of 10 parents learned yesterday (Monday) that they have been allocated their first-choice secondary school in Staffordshire.

Of the 8020 offers made for a Staffordshire secondary, 94.6 per cent were for a first-choice school, up from 93 per cent last year. Nearly 97 per cent have been allocated one of their top three preferred schools.

Parents were given until the end of October to apply for a secondary school. Since the closing date, the county council's admissions team has been working with school and neighbouring authorities to ensure as many parents as possible receive a place at a preferred school.

Most parents will be receiving emails and letters from Monday, informing them of where their child will be attending school in September.

County Councillor Jonathan Price, Cabinet Member for Education (and SEND) said: "In Staffordshire we have an excellent track record of achieving well above the national average for first preferences, and for top three preferences as a whole. We know the admissions process can be quite daunting for a lot of parents, as we do as much as we can to make the process as easy as possible.

"Giving clear guidance, plus working with schools in Staffordshire and in neighbouring authorities, means we can allocate school places efficiently and, in the vast majority of cases, allocate parents one of their top three preferred schools."

Information on how places were allocated at oversubscribed schools, schools with vacancies and the appeals process can be found here.