MORE children have been offered places at their preferred secondary schools in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole than last year.

In total, 96 per cent of children have been given the choice.

Some 86 per cent of families have also received an offer for their first preference of school.

A total of 3,854 families in the BCP area applied for a secondary school place before the deadline of October 31, 2023.

The outcome of school applications was available for parents and carers on National Offer Day, Friday, March 1.

All children who applied by the national deadline have been offered a place for September 2024.

Councillor Richard Burton, portfolio holder for children and young people, BCP Council said: “Choosing the right school is one of those important decisions that families make.

“I am pleased that we have been able to offer an increasingly higher percentage of families one of their preferred secondary schools for their children to attend from September.

“This is an increase in offers from last year.

“We also recognise that some families may have questions regarding their child’s placement, and I would encourage them to contact the BCP Council School Admissions Team for help and advice.”

Families living in either Bournemouth, Christchurch, or Poole wanting information about school vacancies should contact the admissions team on 01202 123222 or 01202 127963.