00:01Families in Merseyside saw mid-range results when it came to securing their first-choice school this year.
00:07Around 85% of applicants received an offer for their top pick, and more than 96% got one of their listed preferences.
00:15These figures put the region roughly in the middle compared to the rest of England.
00:20While better than London's figures, Merseyside falls behind areas like the North East, where over 90% of children landed their first choice.
00:28In Liverpool, certain schools remain significantly oversubscribed, and the gap between demand and capacity continues to challenge education planners.
00:37For many parents, the first choice isn't just about academic results. It's also about convenience, friends and familiarity.
00:45When that choice isn't available, families are left weighing alternative options.
00:49The data shows that where you live still has a strong influence on whether you'll get the school you really wanted,
00:54with Merseyside reflecting the national picture of uneven outcomes.
