96% of pupils get one of top three choices of primary school

April 19, 2022

Eight-eight per cent of children in Southend-on-Sea will start primary school in September 2022 at their first-choice primary school, with 96% receiving one of their top three preferences.

The data on primary school allocations has been announced by the Council as part of ‘national offer day’, with parents and children finding out what school their children will be starting in September.

Out of 1945 applications, 1723 (88.5%) received an offer for their first preference, 119 (6%) their second preference, and 28 (1.5%) an offer for their third choice. The 88.5% of pupils receiving their first preference has risen from 85% in 2021.

2022

1 - Number of Pupils who applied for a primary school place - 1945

2 - Number of Pupils offered their first choice on the application form - 1723(88.5%)

3 - Number of pupils offered their second choice on the application form - 119 (6%)

4 - Number of pupils offered their third choice on the application form - 28 (1.5%)

5 – Number of pupils offered a place not on their application form - 74 (3.8%)

2021

1 - Number of Pupils who applied for a primary school place - 2046

2 - Number of Pupils offered their first choice on the application form - 1748 (85%)

3 - Number of pupils offered their second choice on the application form - 171 (8%)

4 - Number of pupils offered their third choice on the application form - 44 (2%)

5 - Number of pupils offered a place not on their application form - 83 (4.6%)

Brin Martin, Director of education and early years, said: “I am delighted that 88% of local primary school children will be attending their first-choice primary school come September, and 96% have gained admission to one of their top three choices.

“I am 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 any families to contact the school admission officers for any questions they may have.

“The council is 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. We would like to wish every child starting school this September good luck for the year ahead.”