Region

Schools in East Midlands

2,093 state-funded schools across 10 local authorities. The share of secondary applicants offered their first choice in September 2026 ranged from 76% in West Northamptonshire to 94%.

Secondary applicants offered their first choice, September 2026 Harder 76%94% Easier

Where is a first-choice secondary place hardest to get?

DfE · Sept 2026 entry

West Northamptonshire 76%
Nottingham 80%
Derby 82%
Leicester 84%
Lincolnshire 85%
North Northamptonshire 85%
Leicestershire 90%
Nottinghamshire 92%
Rutland 93%
Derbyshire 94%

Local authorities compared

Medians are of schools, not pupils

Sorted by the median secondary school's applications per place for September 2026, highest first.

10 local authorities in East Midlands. Sources: DfE applications and offers, key stage 2 and 4 results; Ofsted.
Local authority	Secondary per place	First choice	Attainment 8	KS2 expected	Report cards
Nottinghamshire	2.4	92%	46.8	67%	52
Leicestershire	2.3	90%	46.7	63%	41
Leicester	2.2	84%	49.6	62%	16
North Northamptonshire	2.1	85%	45.0	60%	15
Rutland	2.1	93%	49.7	67%	1
West Northamptonshire	2.0	76%	44.8	63%	26
Lincolnshire	1.9	85%	41.8	60%	38
Nottingham	1.8	80%	44.1	62%	13
Derby	1.8	82%	43.0	60%	17
Derbyshire	1.7	94%	43.8	60%	50