More than nine in 10 primary-age pupils in Bury are set to attend their first choice of school later this year- but the preference rate has dropped.

Data published by the council on Monday shows more than 91.2 per cent of primary school children have been given their preferred option when the new term begins in September.

But this figure is less than last year's rate of 94.5 per cent.

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Ahead of the September 2023 term, 2,109 applications from Bury residents were received with the majority, 1,923 pupils (91.2 per cent), given a first preference offer.

A total of 118 pupils (5.6 per cent) were offered a place with their second preference and 24 pupils (1.1 per cent) were offered a place at their third choice of school.

Last year, the council received 2,063 applications from Bury residents with 1,950 pupils (94.5 per cent) offered a place at their first choice of school.

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And in 2022, a total of 64 pupils (three per cent) were offered a place at their second preference and 17 pupils (one per cent) were offered a place at their third preference.

The first and second choice combined rate has therefore dropped slightly in the last 12 months from 97.5 per cent to 96.8 per cent.

Director of education and skills at the council, Isobel Booler, said: “I am happy to report that over 91 per cent of primary pupils will be heading to their school of choice in September.

“It is indeed an exciting time for our young children to begin their school career and a credit to the local schools across the borough for continuing to work hard to provide the best education for our children.

“I wish all the best to new pupils starting in September at their school of choice.”