ONE in five children in Bolton missed on their first choice secondary school, figures out today show.

Today is national offer day when parents find out which school their child will be attending in September.

This year's figures are in line with last year ­— with the majority ­— 3, 325 or 79.7 per cent ­— securing their first choice.

Parents put down three schools in order of preference they would like their child to attending.

Just under 11 per cent, or 448 children, will have been given their second choice school and 147, which equals 3.5 per, 147, cent have received a place at their third preference.

A total of 253 ­— 6.1 per cent ­— did not receive a place at any of three choice. This was slightly up on last year.

Parents have the right to appeal the decision, and some will choose to go to a fee-paying school, meaning figures are subject to change.

In recent years, there has been pressure on secondary schools places with supply outstripping demand, meaning extra places have had to be created.

Next September a new high school is set to open in the Farnworth area, King's Leadership School, governed by the Great Schools Trust, which opened a high school in Great Lever in 2019, where places are said to be in great demand.

Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Cllr Anne Galloway, said:
“A secondary school offer has been made to every child who has applied for a place in Bolton.
“Despite high demand, 94 per cent of applicants have been offered a place at one of their preferred schools.
“This is a direct result of our work to increase both the number and variety of places on offer, by adding new schools and expanding capacity in existing secondaries.”