Most children in West Berkshire receive place at a preferred secondary school

MOST children in West Berkshire have received a place at a preferred secondary school.

West Berkshire Council said more than 88 per cent of children have been given a place at their first choice school for September.

In total 98 per cent of children will be going to one of their secondary school preferences.

Primary school pupils and their parents found out today (Wednesday) which secondary school they have been offered for September.

Dominic Boeck (Con, Aldermaston), West Berkshire’s executive member for education, children and young people, said: “Moving up to secondary school is a huge jump for both children and parents.

“With these challenges in mind, we always try very hard to offer as many children as possible their preferred school and I’m very pleased that, once again, we’ve been able to maintain our high percentage of preferred secondary school allocations.

“We wish everyone the best of luck with their move up to secondary education.”

The figures remain the same as last year.

The offers were sent to families by West Berkshire Council less than 24 hours before teachers walk out of their classrooms today (Thursday) for the second time this year in an ongoing dispute with the government over pay and working conditions.

The strikes are taking place in southern England and Wales, while teachers in north and north-west England, Yorkshire and Humber downed tools on Tuesday in their regional day of action and those in the Midlands walked out yesterday (Wednesday).