A RECORD number of Barnsley children have been offered their first-choice secondary school.

The council has confirmed that 2,505 children 91.3 per cent have been offered their top preference.

A total of 174 children received their second preference and 18 received their third.

It means that 98.3 per cent of children were offered a place at one of their preferred schools.

For families who did not receive a preferred school, the admissions team has offered places at the nearest school with available capacity.

Coun Ashley Peace, cabinet spokesperson for children’s services, said: “In Barnsley we want all children, young people, and families to benefit from the opportunities that a great childhood brings. A range of learning experiences can help give children the best possible start in life and into adulthood.

“Our Great Childhoods Ambition is our pledge to support every child to feel they belong to explore, dream, grow and connect.

“I am therefore delighted to see so many children in our borough being offered a place at their first-choice secondary school for September.

“This achievement is the result of the hard work of our admissions team and local secondary schools.

“Their dedication ensures families have all the guidance they need to make an informed decision about their child’s next steps.

“Our primary schools have also worked hard to ensure parents are supported to apply on time.

“I would like to thank them for everything they do to make the process simple for families and ensure no child in Barnsley is left without a school place.”