Students will find out today if they've been offered their first choice of secondary or upper school for September.

Just under 98 per cent of pupils have been offered their first choice of secondary school and just under 99 per cent offered their upper school of choice.

Some 97.69 per cent of pupils due to start secondary school (year 7) have been offered their first choice. For those starting upper school (year 9), 98.64 per cent have been given a place at their preferred school.

Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Children, Education, Skills and Early Help, said: “Today is an important day for young people, and their parents or carers, as they find out which school they will be joining in the autumn.

“I am delighted that most in the Dorset Council area have been offered their first choice of senior or upper school.

“I wish the students the very best of luck as they get ready to join their new schools in September.”

Parents and carers will be able to log onto their online account from 9.30am today to see the outcome of their application.

Where an email address has been submitted as part of the application, families will be sent a link to get their formal outcome letter.

Dorset Council processed 3,437 applications, with more than 95 per cent of parents and carers opting to complete their applications online.

See more information about schools and education in Dorset at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/schools