Successful allocations of secondary school places in North Northamptonshire
03 March 2025
Children starting Year 7 in England and Wales in September 2025 find out about school places today (Monday 3 March).
A total of 4,216 secondary school places for this academic year have been allocated to pupils across North Northamptonshire.
This shows a consistent trend in the number of applications received each year in the last three years, with 4292 in 2024 and 4225 in 2023.
The online portal remains the most popular method of applying, with 99% of applications submitted this way in 2025.
We are pleased to announce that over 95.5% of applicants have received a place at one of their preference schools. This is slightly fewer than the 96.5% of applicants from 2024, but more than 95.2% in 2023.
The following figures apply to applicants’ first, second and third preferences:
- 83.16% of applicants have been allocated a place at their first preference – up 0.15% on last year.
- 9.98% of applicants have been allocated a place at their second preference – slightly fewer applicants getting second preference compared to 2024 10.51%
- 2.42% have been allocated a place at their third preference - slightly fewer applicants getting second preference compared to 2024 at 3.05%
Families who applied for their secondary school place online before the closing date of 31 October 2024 are able to check their offer online from 00:05 on 3 March.
“It really is good news to see a higher percentage of children in North Northamptonshire getting a place at their first preference school in 2025 compared to previous years.Cllr Scott Edwards, executive member for Children, Families, Education and Skills
It is also very reassuring to see that there is a consistency in the number of children being allocated one of their preferred schools year on year.
I wish all the children every success with their journeys into and through secondary education.
The council recognises the important role education plays in the development of every child, and I am very pleased that 95% of applicants have received a place at one of their preferred secondary schools.Cllr Jason Smithers, Leader of the Council
North Northamptonshire benefits from high quality school provision and we are committed to continuous improvement around access and quality standards to ensure children have the very best secondary education.
Parents have a statutory right to appeal (through the independent admission appeals process) against the refusal of a place at a school for which they have applied.
The next round of secondary school place allocations (for late applicants) will take place in April.
Primary and Junior school allocations will be announced on Wednesday 16 April.