Parents and carers across the country have found out which secondary school their children will be going to next academic year.

Here in Cheshire East, 93% have received their first preference school on national offer day, March 2.

The borough council received almost 5,000 applications from families whose children will be starting secondary school in September 2026, with 98% receiving an offer from one of their top three preferences - up from 97% in 2025.

Councillor Laura Crane, chair of Cheshire East Council's children and families committee, said: "Moving into secondary school is a momentous occasion and huge milestone for any child, and naturally parents will be eager for their child to secure their desired school. 

"Secondary school offer day is a key date in the calendar for children and families across the borough, so it's important we communicate the offers and any appeal deadlines, as clearly as possible to ensure nobody misses out.

"I'd like to wish all pupils starting secondary education the very best for the next academic year, and hope that they enjoy their new schools as they take the leap into new challenges and new opportunities."

Cheshire East Council has advised that when parents and carers receive their offer, they have a number of options:

• Accept the school place – the deadline for this is 16 March 2026
• If their child has not been offered a place at a preferred school, they can ask to go on one or more school waiting lists – parents are encouraged to do this by 16 March 2026 but you can still join until the end of December
• If they are unhappy with the offer they have received, they can make an appeal before the deadline of 30 March 2026

Parents are advised to accept their child's offer even if they would prefer a different school until they have confirmed alternative plans for their child's education.

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