A record number of children across the county got a place at the primary school they most wanted this year.

Kent County Council says more than 97% of children across the county will start their education in 2018 at one of their chosen primary schools.

And some 15,426 families have been offered their first preference school, which accounts for almost 90% of all applications.

As a result, the fewest number of families ever will be allocated a school they did not name, with 390 children assigned a school by Kent County Council.

This is a reduction of over half since 2012 when 818 children were placed in a primary school they had not chosen.

Cllr Roger Gough, KCC’s cabinet member for children, young people and education, said: “Following a successful Secondary National Offer Day, officers have continued to work hard to ensure that as many pupils secured one of their preferred primary schools and we are pleased to see the continued improvement in figures.”

“While we are happy to announce that a record low number of pupils needed to be given an alternative school, some families will still be receiving unwelcome news today. These parents can be assured that National Offer Day is just the first stage of offers and many will go on to secure places through waiting lists in the reallocation process and via appeals.”

Advisers would be on hand to help parents make the most of the options available to them.

Parents who applied online will receive an email after 4pm today, indicating which school they have been offered.

However, the timing of the email will depend on their own email service provider. These parents can also log in after 5pm to view the offer online. Those who applied by paper application form will be sent notification by first class post today.

Parents can accept their school place offers or seek alternatives if they are not happy with their allocation. There are still places available at schools across Kent. This is a direct result of measures taken by the council to manage capacity in line with demand.

For more information on how to join a waiting list and/or appeal go to: www.kent.gov.uk/primaryadmissions or phone the admissions team on 0300 412121.