The hardest high schools in Suffolk to get into have been revealed.

Analysis of government data compares how many applicants each school received compared to the number of places offered in 2023, showing which schools were the most oversubscribed

A new analysis compares the number of total applicants at each one and the number of places offered to show which were the most oversubscribed in 2023.

Thomas Gainsborough School in Great Cornard, near Sudbury, was identified as the toughest to get into. It was put as a first preference 331 times, but only 280 places were offered to prospective pupils. 

Northgate High School in Ipswich was revealed as the next hardest to obtain a place at, with 17% of applicants failing to obtain a place.

It was followed by Claydon High School and Chantry Academy, the latter of which was put as a first choice 247 times. 

Craig D’Cunha, executive headteacher of Chantry Academy said: “We are extremely proud of our reputation in the local community which continues to help make Chantry Academy such a popular choice for secondary education in Ipswich.

"Our admissions policy is in place to help parents throughout the application process and further information about applying for places at Chantry is also shared with parents at our Open Evenings. 

"Our Pupil Admission Number (PAN), which we publish each year, is carefully planned to take into consideration a large number of factors including class sizes, staffing numbers and the overall capacity of the school’s facilities.

"We look forward to warmly welcoming our new Year 7 students to Chantry in September as they begin their journey with us.”

Of the 44 schools in Suffolk, data shows 16 of them were oversubscribed. 

Data from the Department of Education shows Stour Valley Community School, Farlingaye School and King Edward VI CEVC School had more applicants than available places.