Youngsters across Dorset have found out which secondary or upper school they will be going to this September.

In Dorset, 94.9 per cent of children received the good news that they have been offered a place at their first choice of school. This breaks down to 98.9 per cent of those starting upper school (Year 9) and 93.4 per cent of those starting secondary school (Year 7).

Parents/carers can log onto their online account to see the outcome of their application. Letters have also been out.

Dorset County Council said it processed a total of 4,035 applications from residents. Online applications increased this year, with 95 per cent of applications applying digitally.

Only 1.5 per cent of applicants received an alternative offer at a school that was not a named preference.

Speaking yesterday, Cllr Deborah Croney, Dorset County Council’s Cabinet member for education, learning, and skills, said: “This is a big day for children – and their parents and carers – as they find out about the next stage of their education.

"We are delighted that so many children have received an offer of a place at their first preference school.

"I’d like to wish all Dorset children the best of luck in their new schools in September.”