Secondary School Offer Day 2026: Thousands of families in Lancashire receive the news they've been waiting for
The vast majority of the children due to attend secondary school in Lancashire will get to go to their preferred school this September, it has been confirmed.
Much anticipated emails of offers were sent out to pupils and their families on Monday, 2nd March 2026.
In total, 13,588 offers have been made to parents in Lancashire, with 86.9% securing their first-choice school.
This figure is likely to increase as waiting lists are applied and appeals are processed.
On top of this, more than 97% of parents have received an offer for one of their three preferred schools.
Meanwhile, only 2.9 % have been allocated a place by the Lancashire Education Authority.
The percentage of parents receiving a first preference secondary school offer has increased slightly from 86.1% last year, while the percentage of parents receiving one of their preferred schools has also increased since 2025.
The figures in Lancashire are also above the national picture, with 86.9% of parents in Lancashire receiving an offer of their first choice school, compared with 83.5 % of parents nationally.
County Councillor Matthew Salter, cabinet member for Education and Skills, said:
"We know how much it means to children and parents to have a place at their preferred school, and I am pleased that the vast majority of students will be able to attend one of their chosen schools.
"I also want to assure parents who did not get the school they were hoping for that we expect a rise in parents being allocated a place at a preferred school between now and the start of the new academic year – if this is you, please use the details on the offer letter to get in touch with Lancashire."
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, said:
"Our admissions team always strives to place children in their preferred schools and our track record shows this.
"We always 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 whom 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.