Across England, 8% of primary school applicants and 17% of secondary school applicants did not get a place at their first choice school, affecting nearly 150,000 children in total.
In the North West, 15% did not secure a place at their preferred secondary school. This meant 12,808 secondary aged children did not get a place at their first choice school.
Inner London was found to have the hardest schools to get into in the country. One in every eight children (13%) did not get into their first choice primary school. This rose to one in three (33%) for secondary school places.
5. Our Lady's RC Primary School
Our Lady's RC Primary School in Aspull saw 36 applicants put the school as a first preference but only 27 of these were offered places. This means 9 did not get a place. Photo: NW
6. Holy Family Catholic Primary School
Holy Family Catholic Primary School in New Springs saw 32 applicants put the school as a first preference but only 20 of these were offered places. This means 12 did not get a place. Photo: Google
7. Garrett Hall Primary School
Garrett Hall Primary School in Tyldesley saw 68 applicants put the school as a first preference but only 53 of these were offered places. This means 15 did not get a place. Photo: NW
8. Gilded Hollins Community School
Gilded Hollins Community School in Leigh saw 49 applicants put the school as a first preference but only 29 of these were offered places. This means 20 did not get a place. Photo: Google