FEWER pupils in Swindon have been matched with their first choice of secondary school than last year, figures announced yesterday reveal.

Swindon Borough Council revealed that 92 per cent of on-time applications got into their first preference school, a slight decrease from last year when 94.8 per cent were matched with their first choice.

In 2015 95.6 per cent of children received their first choice.

This year, the council received 2,427 applications prior to the deadline, of which 98 per cent got into one of their first three preferences, compared with 2,293 applicants last year, of which 99.3 per cent were allocated a place at one of their top three preferences.

Applicants who submitted their preferences after the deadline were offered a place at the next nearest school with a place available at that time, if their preferred school was oversubscribed at that point.

A spokesman for Nova Hreod Academy revealed that year 7 admissions data released this week shows that three quarters of the school’s 200 available year 7 places will go to children who put Nova Hreod as their first choice preference – their highest number ever.

Meanwhile, in Wiltshire 96 per cent of Wiltshire children will attend their first choice of secondary school from September after parents found out the results of their online applications yesterday.

Ninety nine per cent of children have been offered one of their three choices and 96 per cent have received their first choice.

The number of parents applying online has risen again, as 92 per cent of applications were made online, compared to 88 per cent last year. Those who applied by post will have had their decisions posted out to them yesterday.

The numbers of parents applying are also up on last year as the number of children gradually increases in line with primary population growth.

There were 4,621 on time applications received this year, 99 more applications than in 2016.

Laura Mayes, the cabinet member for children’s services at Wiltshire Council, said: “Wiltshire has consistently been able to offer most parents the secondary school of their choice and I’m delighted that once again the figures are so high.

“This is in no small part due to the careful planning of our teams who ensure we have sufficient places across the county for now and in the future.”

All applicants have until Wednesday, March 15, to accept the offer they receive.

The right to an independent appeal is open to anyone who has not received one of their preferred schools. Details of how to appeal are included in the letter posted to all applicants. Information is also available at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/schooladmissions