Secondary School Offer Day 2024: Thousands of families in Lancashire receive the news they've been waiting for
The majority of children due to attend secondary school in Lancashire will be going to their preferred school in September, as parents received the much-awaited news this morning.
Confirmatory emails of offers were sent out to pupils and families today, National Offer Day (1 March 2024).
In total, 13,762 offers have been made to parents in Lancashire, with 86.1% awarded their first-choice school.
This figure is likely to increase as waiting lists are applied and successful appeals processed.
Additionally, 97% of parents have received an offer for one of their three preferred schools, with only 3% being allocated a school by the Lancashire Education Authority – the lowest number of reallocations in the last five years.
County Councillor Jayne Rear, cabinet member for Education and Skills at Lancashire County Council, said: "We strive to give every child the best start to life they can get and are delighted that once again the vast majority of students will be attending their preferred school.
"Every parent and carer wants what's best for their child and we're really proud of our allocation track record.
"We expect to see an increase in parents being allocated a place at a preferred school between now and the start of the new academic year so if you did not get the place you were hoping for, please use the details on the offer letter to get in touch with us."
Any appeals are heard locally and those for Lancashire secondary schools will take place during the spring and summer terms.
Paul Turner, Director of Education, Culture and Skills at Lancashire County Council, said: "Our admissions team always strives to place children in their preferred schools and our track record shows this.
"We strictly follow fair and impartial allocation guidelines and apply this for all secondary school applicants.
"While the vast majority will be happy this morning we know there will be a small number of disappointed parents.
"For those people I want to stress that decisions are not final and can still be appealed."
Find out more about schools in Lancashire at www.lancashire.gov.uk/schools
From Monday to Friday, from 8am to 5pm, parents can also call 0300 123 6707.