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

March 4, 2025

97% of year six children in Southend-on-Sea will be starting secondary school in September 2025 at one of their top three choices of school.

Southend-on-Sea City Council has released data on secondary school allocations on national offer day Monday 3rd March 2025

Out of 2111 application, 81% received a place at their first choice of secondary school.

Number of SCC Pupils who applied for a secondary school place 2111

Number of Pupils offered their first preference 1725 - 81.71%

Number of Pupils offered their second preference 212 - 10.04%

Number of Pupils offered their third preference 103 - 4.88%

Number of Pupils offered a place that was not on their application form 36 - 1.71%

Cllr Laurie Burton, cabinet member for children and learning, said: I am very pleased that 81% of applicants received offers for their first preference and 97% have one of their top three. We make every effort to ensure that young people of secondary school age who have applied are offered a place.

Whilst the majority of pupils have got their preferred school place, 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 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.