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

April 15, 2021

96% of children in Southend-on-Sea will start primary school in September 2021 in one of their top three preferences, with 85% at their first-choice school.

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 2046 applications, 1748 (85%) received an offer for their first preference, 171 (8%) their second preference, and 44 (2%) an offer for their third choice. 83 (4%) received an alternative offer.

Brin Martin, Director of Learning at Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, said: “I am delighted that 85% of local primary school children will be attending their first-choice primary school come September, and 96% securing 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 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 Borough, which will help to ensure that there are sufficient places offering good quality and choice to local parents and carers.”