Pupils around Kent will hear from today where they will be starting their school life.

In Kent around 95% of children will start their formal education at a primary school their parents have chosen.

Of the 16,301 children in total, more than 14,500 were offered their first preference, up on last year.

The total number of applications has also increased - for the seventh consecutive year.

Roger Gough, KCC Cabinet member for education and health reform, said: "The demand for primary school places is high in many parts of Kent.

"I said last year that I knew it would be challenging to keep going with such a high proportion of children and families getting their first choice school.

“So the figures for this year show again that the effort and planning that goes into school admissions is very effective and gives families the best chance of getting a school of their choice."

In Medway, almost 96% of children will be going to one of their preferred primary schools this September.

The latest school admissions figures reveal that nearly 86% of Medway children have secured a place at their first preference school, 7% at the second preference, and 2% their third.

Letters will be posted today, and emails sent out after 4pm, informing parents of the offers.

This year around 3,500 applications were processed for Medway children alone.

"The figures for this year show again that the effort and planning that goes into school admissions is very effective and gives families the best chance of getting a school of their choice" - Roger Gough, KCC

Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, Cllr Mike O’Brien said: "I'm delighted to see so many families in Medway have been offered a place at one of their named schools and such a high number at their first choice school.

"Starting school is a real milestone for children and their families as well as an incredibly exciting time and I’d like to wish all the families and children the best of luck come September."

Parents unhappy with the offer in either Medway or Kent will be looking at alternatives.

Despite the increase in application numbers, there are still places available at schools across Kent.

For more information on how to join a waiting list or to appeal in the area outside Medway go to: www.kent.gov.uk/primaryadmissions or phone the admissions team on 0300 333 6472.