NEARLY 400 parents had to settle for second, third of even fourth choice for their children's secondary schools this year, official figures have revealed.

Top choice school places were offered to 78.4 per cent of the borough's 11-year-old school pupils, almost four per cent lower than last year's score.

Families offered their second choice was at 12.7 per cent compared to the 12.2 per cent last year.

Councillor Tony Jones, Lead Member for Education, said: “Overall, 91 per cent of families were offered their first or second preference schools this year while the number of applications for places continues to rise.

“Unfortunately, there are always going to be families who are disappointed but the Council continues to work closely with providers which has previously resulted in two new schools being opened in Reading which are proving to be increasingly popular.”

The decrease is thought be be down to the growing popularity of The Wren and Maiden Erlegh schools which were built just two years ago.

Reading's two grammar schools also effect the number of students getting into their first choice schools with entrance exam failures having to go elsewhere.

There were 28 children who listed Reading School and Kendrick school as a higher preference but did not sit or pass the admission test.

Cllr Simon Robinson, Conservative, added: "My feelings are very similar to other people that we have a couple of very popular schools and it is only common sense people want go get their children into those schools."

Out of the 1,805 children who applied for secondary school places this year, 4.2 per cent were allocated a spot at their third preference while one per cent were offered a place at their fourth choice.

Across the borough border in Wokingham, 87 per cent of pupils were offered their first choice school, out of nearly 2000 applications for places.

Cllr Charlotte Haitham-Taylor, executive member for children's services at Wokingham Borough Council, said: "School places are allocated fairly and objectively, and each application is considered using the criteria agreed for that school.

"I would like to thank our admissions team and schools who have done a fantastic job advising parents how to use their preferences wisely and, what to do if they are unhappy with the place they've got."