Almost three quarters of Year Six pupils will be heading to their preferred secondary school in September.

The 74 per cent of children offered their first choice Barking and Dagenham school during yesterday’s national offer day puts the borough above the London-wide average of 68pc.

It is also an improvement on last year, when 69pc got their first choice.

The number of children set to attend one of the top three schools on their list – which could be as long as six - also increased from last year, from 88pc to 91pc.

Cllr Evelyn Carpenter, cabinet member for education and schools, said: “I am extremely pleased that over 90 per cent of our pupils have been offered one of their top three preferences with many receiving their first.

“We have been able to achieve all of this by expanding existing schools where possible and building new schools. Our ambitious programme includes Goresbrook and Greatfields schools which opened last September and the Riverside School will move into a new site in September.

“Barking Abbey School will also increase its intake in September and plans are underway for a £12m investment in the buildings.

“The council will continue to work with all of our schools to provide high quality school places for all the children and young people that need one.”

Did your child get into their preferred school or did they miss out? Let us know by emailing sophie.morton@archant.co.uk or tweeting @bdpost