MORE than nine out of ten Devon children will get a place at their first preference secondary school this September.

Devon County Council this week said that 91.6% of county families received a place at their first preferred school.

That compares with 91% at this stage last year. The percentage is likely to increase throughout the year as appeals are held.

In 2011, 98.3% of Devon families received a place at one of their three preferred schools compared with 97.4% in 2010.

Ninety-four per cent of applicants used the online application system – up from 92% last year.

Devon County Council's cabinet member for schools and skills, Christine Channon, said: 'I am delighted that once again Devon is bucking the national trend.

'We have been able to offer more families a place at their first preference school this year.

'I am also very pleased that our figure of 98.3 per cent for the number of families offered a place at one of their three top preferences compares to last year's figure of 97.4 per cent at this stage.

'A great deal of credit should be given to our hard working admissions staff and our schools who combine to satisfy as many families as possible.'