TODAY, Wednesday 1 March, parents of nearly 17,000 pupils will discover the outcome of their secondary school applications.

The total number of applications for September 2023 admissions, 16,945, is the highest number Essex County Council (ECC) has ever received. 

Just under 97% (more than 19 out of every 20 children) are being offered one of their named preferences of secondary school.

We do hope to bring you the breakdown for Harlow.

Despite the record number of applications, 84.17% of children are being offered their parents’ first preference this year. A further 8.5% have been offered their second preference, meaning almost 93% have been offered either their first or second preference.

This year, 99% of families applied online and will receive their offer by email or by logging onto the Essex County Council website.

Cllr Tony Ball, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability, said: “It is fantastic to see that, once again, we have been able to offer so many pupils their preferred secondary school place.

“I hope those embarking on this exciting next step enjoy their last few months at primary and junior school before they set out on their next academic adventure.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Full breakdown of figures for 2023

• 84.17% of children offered 1^st preference school
• 8.50% of children offered 2^nd preference school
• 2.43% of children offered 3^rd preference school
• 1.00% of children offered 4^th preference school
• 0.50% of children offered 5^th preference school
• 0.27% of children offered 6^th preference school
• 3.13% of parents could not be offered any of their preferences and have been offered a place at the nearest school with space.Total number of applicants = 16,945 Full breakdown of figures for 2022
• 86.90% of children offered 1^st preference school
• 7.17% of children offered 2^nd preference school
• 2.19% of children offered 3^rd preference school
• 1.02% of children offered 4^th preference school
• 0.32% of children offered 5^th preference school
• 0.17% of children offered 6^th preference school
• 2.23% of parents could not be offered any of their preferences and have been offered a place at the nearest school with space.

 Total number of applicants = 16,554