Stoke-on-Trent council fills secondary school places despite shortages
Some 86.8% of pupils received their first-choice school, even as the city experiences a ‘significant’ rise in applications due to a long-term population increase
Stoke-on-Trent City Council has ensured that every child that is due to move from primary to secondary school this September, and is requesting a place in a city school, has been offered one – despite continued pressures on demand.
A total of 3,161 secondary school places have been allocated for the next academic year, spelling an increase of 1.7% from the previous year – including for those who applied after the 31 October 2023 deadline.
As a result, the city council has successfully met demand and secured places for all Year 7 applicants.
Some 86.8% of pupils received their first-choice school, even as the city experiences a “significant” rise in applications due to a long-term population increase.
School place availability has been a national challenge in recent years, but the city council has ensured that every child requiring a Year 7 place has received one, despite ongoing demographic pressures.
According to the council, this rise in applications stems from a population surge beginning in the early 2000s, which has now moved from primary to secondary education.
Additionally, the council’s investment in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision means more children can access tailored support within their local communities, ensuring they receive the right help at the right time.
Cllr Sarah Jane Colclough, the council’s cabinet member for education and anti-poverty, said: “It’s fantastic news that we’ve been able to meet the growing demand for school places and ensure every child has a place in Year 7 this September.
“This is in no small part due to ongoing investment in education, including new schools like Co-op Academy Florence MacWilliams and new schemes supporting increasing basic needs – where local population increases have required more places.”
She added: “The rapid progress of this school is already making a real difference, helping to address the increasing demand for secondary places in the city.”