MORE than 97 per cent of young people across Dorset have been offered their first choice of secondary or upper school in September.

Students yesterday found out if they had secured their preferred school choices for the new school term.

And council bosses said it was 'brilliant news' that 97.36 per cent of pupils due to start secondary school in Year 7 had been offered their first choice. For those starting upper school, in Year 9, 97.41 per cent have been given a place at their preferred school.

Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Years, said: “It is an important day for young people, as well as their parents and carers, as they find out which school they will be joining in the autumn. I’d like to wish all Dorset students the very best of luck as they get ready to join their new schools in September.”

Parents and carers were able to log onto their online accounts from 9:30am yesterday to see the outcome of their application. If an email address was supplied as part of the application, then a link to a formal outcome letter is also being received.

Dorset Council processed a total of 3,477 applications from Dorset residents, with over 95 per cent of parents and carers opting to complete their applications online.

More information about schools, education and admissions is available online.