Percentage of pupils offered place at first place secondary school across West Northamptonshire drops slightly in 2026

Monday March 2 is secondary school places offer day, as families with children starting Year 7 in September this year find out where they will be attending school.

Figures released by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) show that 76.9 percent of applicants received a place at their first preference school, which equates to 3,703 pupils. In 2025, this figure was 77.8 percent, which equates to 3,773 students. In 2024, the figure was 76 percent and in 2023 it was 77 percent.

The council said a total of 4,817 secondary school places have been allocated this year, with 95.9 percent (4,619) of applicants receiving a place at one of their preferred schools, which is a jump from 2025 when the figure was 95.5 percent (4,629).

Date from WNC also shows 13 percent (627) of applicants received a place at their second preference school, 4.9 percent (238) at their third preference school, and 1.1 percent (51) at their fourth preference school.

Councillor Michael Stratton, WNC’s Cabinet Member for children, families, and education, said: “Moving up from primary school to secondary school is an exciting step for young people and their families.

"We want to ensure that every child feels confident as they prepare for this next chapter.

"I’m pleased that the vast majority of applicants have been offered a place at one of their preferred schools, and I want to reassure families that our admissions team is here to support anyone who may still have questions as they prepare for this journey.”

Families who applied for their secondary school place online and within the deadline of October 31, 2025 should have received an email offer today and are able to check their offer on the council’s online admissions portal.

All applicants have the right to appeal if they have been unable to secure a place at one of their higher preferred school options.

The next round of secondary school place allocations, for late applicants, will take place in April/May, according to the council.

Primary school allocations will be announced on April 16.