More than three-quarters of pupils will attend their parents top choice with 76.7 per cent of parents offered their first preference.

Not everybody got their first choice, however, with 10 per cent of parents were offered their 2nd preference and 4 per cent of parents were offered their 3rd preference.

Although, the number of parents offered a place for their child at their preferred secondary school has risen again from last year, up from 73.4 per cent in 2017.

Nine out of ten parents in the borough have been given one of their top three preferences as Thurrock Council continues to invest in schools.

A spokesman for Thurrock Council said it was "fantastic news" that the percentage of first preferences went up.

They said: “This is fantastic news for parents as more and more are getting their first choice and nearly all get one of their top three preferences.

“Thurrock Council will continue to work with schools, not just expand to provide enough spaces to get by, but to build more secondary schools and give parents a real choice on where they send their children to school."

1,834 Thurrock applicants were offered their 1st preference school (76.7%).

 239 Thurrock applicants were offered their 2nd preference school (10%).

 104 Thurrock applicants were offered their 3rd preference school (4%).