Record number of Barnsley children offered their first-choice secondary school

We’re celebrating a record year for secondary school allocations, with more children than ever securing a place at their first-choice school for September. 

Today (2 March) marks National Offer Day, and Barnsley Council is delighted to announce that 91.3 percent of pupils have been offered their top preference - the highest proportion since 2022. 

This means 2,505 children will be starting their secondary education exactly where they hoped to be. 

Overall, 98.3 per cent of children (2,697 pupils) have been offered a place at one of their preferred schools, including:

·         174 children (6.3 per cent) receiving their second preference

·         18 children (0.7 per cent) receiving their third preference

We’ve once again ensured that every child in Barnsley has been allocated a school place for the new academic year. For families who did not receive a preferred school, the Admissions team has offered places at the nearest school with available capacity. 

Cllr Ashely Peace, Cabinet Spokesperson for Children’s Services, said:

In Barnsley we want all children, young people, and families to benefit from the opportunities that a great childhood brings. A range of learning experiences can help give children the best possible start in life and into adulthood.

"Our Great Childhoods Ambition is our pledge to support every child to feel they belong - to explore, dream, grow and connect. I am therefore delighted to see so many children in our borough being offered a place at their first-choice secondary school for September.

“This achievement is the result of the hard work of our Admissions team and local secondary schools. Their dedication ensures families have all the guidance they need to make an informed decision about their child’s next steps. Our primary schools have also worked hard to ensure parents are supported to apply on time. I would like to thank them for everything they do to make the process simple for families and ensure no child in Barnsley is left without a school place.

Almost all parents - 99.2 percent  - applied online this year, helped by Barnsley’s accessible Virtual Family Hubs webpage. Available year-round, the platform provides guidance on childcare, schools, Family Hubs, and local activities for children and young people. 

We recognise that some families may not have received the news they were hoping for today. The Admissions team is available to support parents who wish to understand their next steps or appeal their school place allocation. Families can contact the team via 01226 773677 or admissions@barnsley.gov.uk