93% of parents receive first preference secondary school place

The number of parents in Cheshire East receiving an offer for first preference secondary school has dropped by 2%, figures released show.

Cheshire East Council said 93% of parents have today received offer for first preference of secondary school on national offer day.

But that’s a drop from 95% on those same offers received in 2025.

Cheshire East said it received almost 5,000 applications from parents and carers whose children will be starting secondary school in September 2026.

In total, 98% of residents received an offer from their three preferences – up from 97% in 2025.

Cheshire East says it follows the government’s school admissions code, which “ensures all school places for maintained schools and academies are allocated and offered in an open and fair way”.

But parents and carers can appeal against any decision on places they are unhappy with.

To accept a school place, parents need to accept by March 16th 2026.

Any child not offered a place at a preferred choice can be placed on one or more school waiting lists.

Parents are urged to do this by March 16th.

Any parents unhappy with the offer received, they can submit an appeal before the deadline of March 30th.

Parents are advised to accept their child’s offer even if they would prefer a different school until they have confirmed alternative plans for their child’s education.

Cllr Laura Crane, chair of Cheshire East Council’s children and families committee, said: “Moving into secondary school is a momentous occasion and huge milestone for any child, and naturally parents will be eager for their child to secure their desired school.

“Secondary school offer day is a key date in the calendar for children and families across the borough, so it’s important we communicate the offers and any appeal deadlines, as clearly as possible to ensure nobody misses out.

“I’d like to wish all pupils starting secondary education the very best for the next academic year, and hope that they enjoy their new schools as they take the leap into new challenges and new opportunities.”

For help and advice, parents can visit www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/schooladmissions, the website of their preferred school, e-mail [email protected] or call 0300 123 5012 (option 1).

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