Big increase in Devon secondary school first preferences

There's promising news for families in Devon as the latest figures reveal a substantial rise in the allocation of first preferences for secondary school places.

According to newly released data, an impressive 92.5 per cent of families who applied for a place for the upcoming September intake have been offered their first choice. 

This marks a notable increase from last year's figure of 90.4 per cent.

In total, an overwhelming 97.8 per cent of families will secure one of their top three preferences, with 4.7 per cent being allocated their second preference and 0.6 per cent their third.

This positive trend surpasses last year's statistics, which stood at 96.8 per cent for families securing one of their preferred choices.

This year, a total of 7,465 allocations have been made for places at mainstream secondary schools across Devon. 

Parents were set to receive notifications of their child's placement on March 1, with Devon County Council's admissions team and the schools team at Devon’s Customer Service Centre on standby to address any inquiries.

Councillor Andrew Leadbetter said: “It is a testament to the hard work of our admissions and school organisation teams and the partnership and cooperation we have received from the heads, staff, and governors of Devon’s secondary schools that more than nine out of 10 families have received their first preference, and the number is up on last year.”

Cllr Leadbetter also noted that these figures are likely to improve further before September as appeals are heard and other factors are taken into account, such as parents not taking up offered places.

It's important to highlight that the reported figures include children with education, health, and care plans (EHCPs) who have been allocated places in mainstream schools.

However, children placed in specialist or independent settings with an EHCP are not included in these statistics.