Will Your Child Be Joining Their First Choice Secondary School? Here’s the Cornwall Figures

Parents and carers in Cornwall are finding out today (Monday, 3rd March) which secondary school their child has been allocated, with over 97% securing a place at their first preference.

High Success Rate for Cornwall

Cornwall Council received 5,748 applications for school places for September 2025. Of these, 5,609 children have been offered a place at their first-choice school, equating to 97.58%. This marks an increase from last year’s 95.71% and sits well above the national average of 82.9% recorded last year.

Almost every child in Cornwall – 99.97% – received a place at one of their top three choices, a rise from 99.23% in the previous year.

Council’s Response

Barbara Ellenbroek, Cabinet Member for Children and Families at Cornwall Council, acknowledged the significance of National Offer Day, stating:

*”National Offer Day can be an anxious time for families so it’s fantastic that so many received the news they wanted today.

“This is all down to the hard work of our teams who work closely with schools across Cornwall to make sure as many children as possible can attend their preferred school and I would like to thank everyone who played a part this year.

“We know that some families may be disappointed by the allocation for their child and there is an independent appeals process that can be followed. More information on this can be found on the school appeals page on the council’s website – School Place Appeals Process.”*

For those who did not receive their first choice, Cornwall Council provides an appeals process, ensuring all families have an opportunity to challenge their allocation if needed.