Figures for Buckinghamshire show that 78.78% of the 6,931 children who applied for a school place were given their first-choice preference.
This compares to 77.9% in 2022 and bucks the national picture of having lower allocation of first choices than previous years.
According to the Local Government Association, a record number have applied for places as a spike in the birth rate 11 years ago means there are 640,000 children nationally looking to start year seven in September. This year's cohort is the largest we have had in Buckinghamshire but slightly more were offered their first preference this year.
A total of 99.3% of children in Buckinghamshire who applied in this year's process received an offer of a school place today (Wednesday 1 March) and we will be working to make offers in the next round for the small number of children who we have not made an offer to.
Anita Cranmer, Buckinghamshire Council's Cabinet Member for Education and Children's Services said: "I know that the wait to find out what secondary school your child has been allocated can be a tense time for many families.
"The school system we operate in Buckinghamshire can sometimes cause complications with parents often listing their first choice as a grammar school, even if their child is unlikely to be eligible for this. However, I'm pleased that we have been able to support the majority of our families in finding the right school for their child, to help them continue their education in the school of their choice."
Just over 10% of applicants received their second-choice placement and 4.27% were offered their third choice. Only a handful of children, (0.721%) have not yet been allocated a place. The reasons for this include late applications and preferences for schools far outside catchment or not meeting individual schools' entry requirements.
Police Announce Death of Much-Loved Retired Dog Griff
News Joint enforcement activity sees police and partners take action across Buckinghamshire
Cancer Unit Revamped Thanks to £30k Charity Funding
Three Conservation Areas updated in Bucks
Homelessness Support Service Confirmed as Rothschild Charity Partner
Campaign to Bring the Ducks Home Gains Momentum
Future changes approved for waste and street scene services in Buckinghamshire
Road closure and two-way lights to cause disruption in Aylesbury this weekend
