Rise in first place North Northants secondary school place allocation as 85 per cent get top choice
Of the 4,180 secondary school places allocated across north Northamptonshire, 85 per cent have received a place at their first choice.
Showing a downward trend in the number of applications received 2026 admissions totalled 4,180 – there were 4,216 in 2025 and 4,292 in 2024 – but the number of places given to first preferance schools is up 2 per cent, according to North Northants Council.
96.6 per cent of applicants received a place at one of their three preference schools, compared to 95.6 per cent in 2025 and 96.6 per cent in 2024.
Cllr Elizabeth Wright, NNC’s executive member for children, education and families, said: “We recognise the important role education plays in the development of every child, and I’m delighted that 96.6 per cent of pupils have received a place at one of their preferred secondary schools.
“North Northamptonshire Council is committed to continuous improvement to ensure children have the very best secondary education.
“I wish all the children every success with their journeys into and through secondary education.”
First choice places were given to 85.26 per cent of applicants, with 8.57 per cent of applicants given their second preference (fewer than the 9.98 per cent in 2025) and 2.75 per cent allocated their third preference - slightly more than the 2.42 per cent in 2025.
Nearly all applications (99.3 per cent were submitted using the online parent portal with emails dropping into parents and carers inboxes from 8am today.
Parents have a statutory right to appeal against the refusal of a place at a school for which they have applied, with the next round of secondary school place allocations for late applicants to take place next month. Primary and junior school allocations will be announced on Wednesday, April 16.