More than 92 per cent of pupils who are expected to begin secondary school in Thurrock this September have been offered one of their top three school preferences.

Offers announced on Monday have revealed 92.4 per cent of students will be able to attend one of their top choices, an increase from 88.4 per cent in 2020.

Over three quarters of pupils, 77.1 per cent, will be able to attend their first choice of school.

Andrew Jefferies, the council’s cabinet member for education, said: “Through our investment in school places we have been able to make sure as many children as possible are able to attend one of their preferred secondary school choices.

“I know it has been an exceptionally challenging last year in primary school for our young people and I would like to wish them all the very best as they make their transition from primary to secondary school where they will continue to develop and thrive.”

Since 2016, Thurrock Council has invested £10million in expanding schools and helped new free schools secure over £50million of government funding.

This includes the expansions at Corringham Primary, Abbots Hall Primary Academy, Ockendon Academy, Benyon Primary School and new schools Orsett Heath Academy and Cooperative Riverside Secondary School, along with the new Harris Academy Purfleet School.

When all work is completed it will mean more than 2,000 additional school places will have been created in Thurrock over the last five years.