THE majority of high school starters secured their first choice school in Warrington, eclipsing the national average, new figures have revealed.

Almost 96 per cent of pupils in the town were allocated a place at their preferred school for this year’s September intake.

A total of 95.7 per cent of applicants were handed their first choice, three per cent at their second and 0.8 per cent at their third.

Only 0.5 per cent of pupils were forced to accept an offer from an unwanted school.

Nationally, around one in seven pupils - 14.8 per cent - missed out on their first preference secondary school for September.

Sarah Callaghan, operational director for children and young people’s services at the council, said: “The fact that almost 96 per cent of applicants were offered their first preference for secondary school and almost 100 per cent were offered one of their preferences is a fantastic achievement.

“We will continue to ensure there are sufficient school places available to meet demand which will enable Warrington to be in a good position again next year.”