MORE THAN nine out of 10 Devon families received their first preference of secondary school this year. Figures published today show 90.72 per cent of applicants received their first preference for a secondary school for this September. That compares with

MORE THAN nine out of 10 Devon families received their first preference of secondary school this year.

Figures published today show 90.72 per cent of applicants received their first preference for a secondary school for this September.

That compares with 89.5 per cent this time last year - an increase of more than one per cent.

The figure will also rise during the year as appeals are heard from families who did not receive their first preference for a place in September.

In all, 99.26 per cent of applicants received one of their three preferences for a secondary school.

This year Devon County Council's admissions team dealt with applications from over 7,500 families.

A record 81 per cent applied for a secondary school place using Devon's online system. This is up from just 18 per cent four years ago.

DCC's executive councillor for children's services, John Smith, said: "I am delighted that around the county today there will be thousands of families delighted that we have been able to confirm a place at their first choice of secondary school.

"It is also very pleasing that we have been able to increase this figure from last year.

"The online application service is also proving very popular with parents and provides them with an instant response on allocation day instead of having to wait for the post to arrive.

"The fact that over 7,500 applications for places in Devon's 37 secondary schools have been processed so effectively is a tribute to our hard-working admissions staff and I would like to pay tribute to their efforts.