MORE students than ever before have been offered a place at their parents' first choice secondary school, according to Essex County Council's education boss.

Figures released by County Hall show an all time high of 87.58 per cent of the 15,000 applicants have been offered their first choice, with a further 6.78 per cent getting a place at their second preference.

New secondary school places are being created this September at Philip Morant School in Colchester and The Stanway School.

Essex County Council's member for education Ray Gooding (Con) said: “We remain committed to ensuring young people in Essex receive the best possible education and I am delighted we have been able to offer a record number of children their preferred place this year.

“Not only are more than nine in ten pupils now attending good or outstanding schools in Essex, but an increasing number are also being offered a place at a school their parents want.

“This 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 and school improvement.

“With larger year groups still coming through the system and the county continuing to grow, it is vital that the investment continues and I am pleased we have been able to allocate a further £315million from the latest budget for creating new school places across the county.

“I would like to wish all pupils starting secondary school in September the very best for the years ahead.”