AROUND one in six children in England missed out on a place at their top choice of secondary school this year, government figures show.

In total, 84.1 per cent of 11-year-olds across the country were given a spot at their first preference, compared with 84.2 per cent in 2015.

The latest Department for Education statistics also show that 88.4 per cent of youngsters seeking primary school places were offered their first choice, up from 87.8 per cent last year.

This means that almost one in eight did not receive their top preference.

A breakdown of the figures reveals there were 548,006 applications for secondary schools this year - a 2.8 per cent increase on 2015 and the highest number since 2008.

The hike comes as a rise in birth rates seen in recent years begins to make its mark on secondary school places.

Overall, 96.5 per cent of children received an offer at one of their preferred schools - families can usually list up to five or six in order of preference - compared to 96.4 per cent last year.

The statistics also show a child's chances of winning a place at their top choice depended heavily on where they live.

As in previous years, London had the lowest proportion of applicants receiving an offer of their first choice school at 68.8 per cent - meaning almost a third missed out.

The South West was the region with the highest proportion of first choice offers at 91.9 per cent.

Data for primary schools shows there were 641,572 applications in 2016, a 0.8 per cent increase on 2015 (636,279).

Government statisticians noted: "This is a lower rate of increase than between 2014 and 2015 (2.0 per cent) and, with birth figures showing a drop in 2013, the increasing numbers of primary applications may soon start to level out."

In total, 96.9 per cent of children got a place at one of their preferences, up from 96.5 per cent in 2015.

A Department for Education spokeswoman said: "Delivering good quality school places is a top priority for this Government and today's figures show that the system continues to work.

"The vast majority of pupils were offered a place at their first choice school and more than 95 per cent received offers from one of their top three choices.

"Our reforms and our academy programme are raising standards for all children, with 1.4 million more pupils in good or outstanding schools than in 2010.

"We will continue to invest and work hard to ensure every child has an excellent education that allows them to reach their full potential."

  • Are you from Somerset? Did your child miss out on a place at their top choice of secondary school? Get in touch - newsdesk@countygazette.co.uk