Black Country and Staffordshire secondary school places revealed

Children in the Black Country and Staffordshire who are currently in Year 6 found out on Monday which secondary school they have been allocated from September.

In Wolverhampton, 73 per cent of children were given their first choice school – while 92 per cent in the city secured a place at one of their preferred schools.

Councillor Dr Michael Hardarcre, Wolverhampton Council's cabinet member for education, said: "I am pleased for a high number of pupils who have achieved a place at their first choice school or one of their preferred schools, and I am sure they will be looking forward to making the transition to secondary education later this year.

“However, because of the high level of demand for places in Wolverhampton’s schools – with many schools oversubscribed – there are always going to be a small number of children who don't get a place at one of their preferred schools. It's important to stress, however, that everyone has been allocated a place at a city school."

In Dudley, around 86 per cent of children received their first choice school.

In Walsall, 76.48 per cent received their first preference of school, while 13 per cent received their second preference and 3.3 per cent their third choice. More than 3,700 applications were received on time this year – an increase of 110 from last year – and every applicant who applied on time has been offered a place at a school.

Councillor Chris Towe, Walsall Council's portfolio holder for education and skills, said: "The council has worked closely with Walsall schools to highlight the importance of submitting on time applications and we are pleased to see that this approach has been well received by Walsall families. It is even more pleasing to see that more children than ever before have been allocated their preferred choice of school.

“I would like to thank our schools for their continued support and commitment and wish all the children who will be starting secondary school in September 2021 all the very best and wish them every success for the future.”

In Sandwell, more than 76 per cent received their first choice secondary school – the highest percentage ever in the borough. More than 91 per cent of parents have been offered one of their top three choices.

Councillor Joyce Underhill, the authority's cabinet member for best start in life, said: "More than 4,700 children have been offered a school place at one of their parents' top choice of secondary schools.

“With more than 91 per cent of parents getting one of their top choices of school, we know the vast majority will be very happy with their school place offer in Sandwell."

In Staffordshire, 94.6 per cent received their first choice school – up from 93 per cent last year. While nearly 97 per cent have been allocated one of their top three preferred schools.

Councillor Jonathan Price, Staffordshire County Council's cabinet member for education, said: “In Staffordshire we have an excellent track record of achieving well above the national average for first preferences, and for top three preferences as a whole. We know the admissions process can be quite daunting for a lot of parents, as we do as much as we can to make the process as easy as possible."

While in Worcestershire, which covers children studying in the Wyre Forest district, 88 per cent of children will be starting at their first choice secondary school in September. Councillor Marcus Hart, Worcestershire County Council's cabinet member with responsibility for education and skills, added: “It is fantastic that so many of Worcestershire’s children will be starting secondary school in one of their preferred schools in September.”