FEWER children in Buckinghamshire have been offered their first choice secondary school compared to last year.

National Offer Day can be full of trepidation as parents hope their child gets into their preferred primary school.

This year, 76 per cent of applicants were offered a first-choice place, down from 78 per cent in 2023.

In total, 4,974 children who applied for a school place were given their first choice preference.

Buckinghamshire Council received 6,574 applications from students this year.

11 per cent of applicants received their second-choice placement and 0.2 per cent have not been allocated a place for September.

Families who wish to appeal their allocation can do so by following the guidance given on the Council website https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/schools-index/school-admissions/school-appeals/appeal-a-secondary-school-decision/.