First choice secondary school offers reach ten-year high in Tameside

The number of pupils receiving their first-choice secondary school place in Tameside has reached its highest level in a decade, according to the local authority.

Figures released by Tameside Council show that almost 88 per cent of families applying for a secondary school place for September 2026 have been offered their preferred school – the highest rate recorded since 2016.

The statistics also reveal that nearly 95 per cent of families secured either their first or second choice of secondary school. This figure is also higher than last year and represents the best outcome for families across the borough in the past ten years.

Across Tameside’s 16 mainstream secondary schools, a total of 3,199 places have been allocated for pupils due to start Year 7 in September.

Applications for secondary school places closed in October 2025, with parents and carers asked to list up to three preferred schools in order of choice.

Leanne Feeley, Executive Member for Culture and Lifelong Learning at Tameside Council, welcomed the figures.

She said: “I’m delighted that more families have been able to gain their first choice of school in Tameside, and I would like to thank all those involved in the admissions process from Tameside Council, as well as our secondary schools, for their hard work to make this happen.

“These figures are the highest they have been in ten years, and we are dedicated to ensuring as many families as possible can obtain their preferred choice. We will continue to work hard for our young people to meet these requests where possible.”

Meanwhile, families awaiting primary school offers for September 2026 will receive their decisions on April 16.

Applications for primary school places – for children born between September 1, 2021, and August 31, 2022 – closed on January 15 this year.

More information about schools and education in the borough is available on the Tameside Council website at www.tameside.gov.uk/Education.