National offer day for year 7 students sees over 4,800 secondary school places allocated across West Northamptonshire

03 March 2025

A total of 4,846 secondary school places have been allocated to pupils across West Northamptonshire today, as families of children due to start Year 7 in September have been informed of their school placements. 

This year, more families have been allocated a place at their highest preference school compared to the previous two years. The number of families securing a place at one of their three preferred schools has also increased. 

Overall, 95.5% (4,629) of applications have been successful in securing a place at one of their preferred schools, compared to 95% in 2024 and 94.2% in 2023. Of these, 77.8% (3,773) received their first-choice school compared to 76% in 2024 and 77% in 2023. 

An additional 13.2% (640) were offered a place at their second-choice school, while 4.5% (216) were allocated their third-choice school. 

Fewer children were placed in a non-preference school this year. 4.5% of applicants were allocated a place at a school outside of their preferences, as their chosen schools were full due to higher priority admissions. This is an improvement compared to 5% in 2024 and 5.8% in 2023. 

Families who applied for their secondary school place online and within the deadline of 31 October will have received an e-mail offer. They can also check their offer on West Northamptonshire Council’s online Admissions Portal. 

“Secondary school is the start of the next step in a young person’s education journey and will help with their development to adulthood. Their years at secondary school will provide them with a wealth of new experiences, skills and knowledge so it is great to see that over 95% of applications have been allocated a place at one of their three preferred schools.” Cllr Fiona Baker, WNC’s Cabinet Member for children, families, and education

All applications have the right to appeal (through the independent appeals process) 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. Primary school allocations will be announced on 16 April.