Just eight out of ten get their first preference in Bournemouth

Just eight out of ten students in Bournemouth were given places at their first choice with 10 per cent getting places at their second choice school and almost four per cent at their third choice.

More than 90 11-year-olds were not given a place at any of their three preferred schools.

Most schools in the town were over-subscribed with The Bishop of Winchester Academy, The Bourne Academy, Bournemouth School, Bournemouth School for Girls, Glenmoor Academy, St Peter's School and Winton Academy all full.

Oak Academy will have just 75 students joining next year despite having 240 places available. Harewood College has filled just 104 of 180 places and Avonbourne will see 190 new students although it has 210 places.

In Dorset almost 95 per cent were given their first choice. Just one-and-a-half per cent received alternative offers at schools that were not a named preference.

Among the oversubscribed schools in Dorset are Ferndown Upper, Highcliffe School, Lytchett Minster and Twynham School.

In Poole 93 per cent got places at one of their top three schools.

Carter Community School will welcome just 76 new students in September despite having room for 120. Corfe Hills will have 228 new students although 375 spaces are available.

Poole High School, Parkstone Grammar, Poole Grammar, Magna Academy, St Aldhelm's Academy and St Edward's will all be full in Year 7 in September.

Vicky Wales, Head of Children, Young People and Learning, Borough of Poole, advised: “If your child has not been offered a place at their preferred school, it is recommended that you visit the offered school and take the opportunity to find out what would be available to your child.”

If parents living in Poole would like to talk to someone about option available to them, they can contact the School Admissions Team on 01202 261936.

Some of the most popular schools in the area were Twynham, Highcliffe, Lytchett Minster, Poole High and St Edward's.