More children in the county got a place at their first choice primary school this year - bucking the national trend.

Of the 17,400 children who applied for a place, 15,705 were offered their first preference, up by 762 compared with last year.

This takes the percentage of first-choice placements up to over 87% in both Kent and Medway.

At the same time, the number of children who did not get a place at any of their choices in Kent fell to just 118 - or 3.4% of all applications, the lowest for seven years.

Kent's success is in contrast to many other areas, where demand for places has outstripped the number available.

VIDEO: Chatham reacts to Kent bucking the national trend.

The improvement in the county comes in the face of the number of applications increasing for the ninth consecutive year to 18,006 – a rise of 591 from 2015.

What to do if you don't get the school of your choice

Cllr Roger Gough, KCC’s education cabinet member, said: “Following a very successful Secondary National Offer Day, officers have continued to work hard to ensure that as many pupils secured one of their preferred Primary schools and we are pleased to see the continued improvement in figures."

He added: “Unfortunately, a small minority of pupils have not been given a school of their preference. Many will secure places through waiting lists and reallocation, and I would like to reassure parents that a specialist KCC team is on hand to help them make the most of the options available to them."

A combination of careful planning and close working with schools meant KCC was able to maintain its success rate, he added.

“Local authorities across England continue to face significant challenges because of a lack of primary school places. In Kent, however, the combination of careful planning and close working with schools means we are able to sustain a high proportion of children starting at a school of their preference, he said.

Cllr Mike O'Brien, Medway cabinet member for schools, said: "It is wonderful to see so many children in Medway offered a place at one of their preferred schools and such a high number at their first choice school."

He added: “Starting school is a really big step for children and their families, as well as an incredibly exciting time and I’d like to wish all children starting their education this September the very best of luck."

Kent County Council said parents who applied online will receive an email after 4pm today (Monday 18 April), indicating which school they have been offered; the timing of the email will depend on the email service provider. Parents can also log in after 5pm to view the offer online.Those who applied by post will be sent notification by first class post today.

Parents can accept their school place offers or seek alternatives if they are not happy with their allocation.

Despite the increase in application numbers, there are still places available at schools across Kent. This is a direct result of measures taken by the council to manage capacity in line with demand.