9 out of 10 children in Devon get first preference school

The authority has revealed that more than nine out of 10 Devon children will get a place at their first preference secondary school this September.

Today they revealed that 91 per cent of county families received a place at their first preferred school.

That compares with 89.8 per cent at this stage last year.

The percentage is likely to increase throughout the year as appeals are held.

In 2010, 97.4 per cent of Devon families received a place at one of their three preferred schools compared with 97.5 per cent in 2009.

92 per cent of applicants used the online application system – up from 78 per cent last year.

Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Schools and Skills, Christine Channon, said: “I am delighted that once again Devon is bucking the national trend.

“We have been able to offer more families a place at their first preference school this year. I am also very pleased that our figure of 97.4 per cent for the number of families offered a place at one of their three top preferences compares to last year’s national figure of 83 per cent.

“And our figures for online applications also continue to grow.

“A great deal of credit should be given to our hard working admissions staff and our schools who combine to satisfy as many families as possible.”