Top-choice secondary school for 91.5% of Somerset parents

For the second year running, more than nine out of 10 parents in Somerset have been allocated their first-choice secondary school.

In Somerset, 91.5% of parents have secured a place for their children at their most-preferred school in September, says Somerset County Council. Nationally, it is believed around 90,000 parents – one in six applicants – have failed to secure their favoured option, according to a Guardian survey.

In inner and outer London, less than 66% of applicants have been accepted by their top school and in Wandsworth and the City of London, less than 50% of families were successful. Just 54% of Buckinghamshire parents gained their first choice, the new figures show.

The quality and choice of Somerset education is vital for families thinking of relocating into the county to live and work, according to inward investment body Into Somerset.

CEO Rupert Cox says, “Somerset not only has excellent state and private schools, but for the second year running, the vast majority of parents are enjoying the security of knowing their children will attend their top-choice secondary school.

“For entrepreneurs and businesspeople who are considering moving to Somerset, this is a huge advantage – especially for those coming from in and around London.”

Andrea Pyle, a Director of the sustainable architectural design practice, O2i Design Ltd, and freelance writer Janie Dromgoole, who both live near Langport, are among those who gained their first-choice schools.

Andrea says, “Our eldest son has just got into the school of our choice, which also happens to be an “outstanding” state secondary school and “High Performing Specialist School”. We are very pleased. The school is within walking distance of our home, and our son will be transferring with almost ninety percent of his existing cohort.

“Our choice was driven by the school’s academic achievements and the calibre of pupils that the school turns out. The entire process was effectively done online. The local authority confirmed our choice within the deadline promised, and the whole procedure was very straightforward.”

Janie adds, “Having moved back to Somerset a few years ago, it is such a relief to go through the transition from primary to secondary school without a moment’s doubt that we will be allocated our excellent, first-choice, catchment state secondary school. We were so relaxed about it that when the email arrived, entitled ‘web allocation’, we wondered if it was something to do with Glastonbury Festival tickets!”

Somerset also features more than 25 prestigious independent schools, including Millfield; Bruton School for Girls; Taunton School; King’s and Queen’s College, Taunton; King’s School, Bruton; Wellington School and Wells Cathedral School.

Into Somerset promotes Somerset as the place where you and your business can grow. Somerset has the highest business start-up rate of any county outside London thanks to its excellent communications network, top UK broadband connectivity rates, quick access to London and the South East in less than two hours, a strong business support network and more.

Every year, 20,000 people, including many from in and around London, relocate to Somerset to enjoy its countryside, coast and clean air, short commute times and much more.