On Friday thousands of children found out what secondary school they would be attending in September.

A total of 1,859 children applied for a secondary school place in Reading, with 71.5 per cent of them getting into their first choice school.

The successful 1,399 students will transition into their new school later this year.

A further 15 per cent of applicants (295) got into their second-choice school and 5 per cent (97) were accepted into their third-choice.

Brian Grady, Director of Education at Brighter Futures for Children, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to offer so many Reading children a place at one of their preferred secondary schools again this year. 

“We wish all pupils the best at their new school in September and hope they enjoy their time in secondary education.” 

In West Berkshire 89.3 per cent of children have received an offer from their first choice school

Heather Codling West Berkshire’s Executive Member for Education, Children and Young People said: “I’m very pleased that, once again, we’ve been able to maintain our high percentage of preferred secondary school allocations.

"The move up to secondary school is a milestone for both children and parents, and we know that getting a preferred school is a huge consideration.

“With this in mind, we always try very hard to offer as many children as possible their preferred school and wish everyone the best of luck as their secondary education begins.”

Parents now have until Friday, March 15 to accept or decline the school offer.