Parents in Essex will find out today whether their children have been offered a place at their top choice secondary school.

Around 86% of applicants, 13,500 pupils, have been offered their top choice with just over 7% being offered their second choice.

Cllr Ray Gooding, Essex County Council’s cabinet member for education, said: “We remain committed to ensuring young people in Essex receive the best possible education and I am delighted we have again been able to offer the vast majority of children their preferred place this year.

“The achievement is testimony to our strong track record of investing in new school places, as well as the hard work of admissions staff, schools and those involved in planning expansions.”

Essex County Council recently announced an allocation of a further £87 million to create new mainstream school places in its budget.