Top choice for many as school allocations released

03 Mar 2025

The vast majority of parents and guardians across Northumberland have once again gained their top choice of secondary school for the upcoming academic year on National Offers Day. 

The allocation data for Year 7 and Year 9 secondary school placements for September 2025 shows a continued improvement in securing first-choice preferences for students.  

• 97.25% (3,715 pupils) secured their first preference – an increase from last year’s 95.04%. 

• 2.67% (103 pupils) were allocated their second preference. 

• 0.34% (13 pupils) received their third preference. 

• 0.03% (1 pupil) was allocated their fourth preference. 

The total number of applications received for secondary school places this year was 3,834, reflecting a slight decrease from previous years (3,990 in 2024 and 4,114 in 2023). 

This year’s figures highlight an encouraging trend, with more students receiving their first-choice school compared to previous years. In 2024, 95.04% of applicants received their first preference, while in 2023, the figure stood at 95.45%. 

Cllr Guy Renner-Thompson, Cabinet member with responsibilities for Inspiring Young People, said: “Our teams work really hard throughout the year to ensure that our young people can receive the best education for them as close to their homes as possible.   

“We look forward to welcoming the children to their fantastic new schools in September to start the next milestone in their education journey. 

“If they haven’t already we’d also remind parents and guardians across Northumberland to check their emails to find out which secondary school their child has been allocated for the upcoming academic year.” 

For further details or assistance regarding school placements, parents should visit https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/Education/Schools/School-admissions-places-appeals-1.aspx