Essex County Council has announced that secondary school places at Ormiston Rivers Academy and William de Ferrers Academy will be increased this September to accommodate those Dengie children who were offered places as far away as Brightlingsea last week.

In a statement issued by Essex County Council today (Tuesday, 9 March) a spokesperson said: "Essex County Council is aware that a number of pupils who live the Dengie peninsula and surrounding areas were allocated a school place some distance from their home. The reason for this was due to a number of factors, but we are pleased to announce that both Ormiston Rivers Academy and William de Ferrers have agreed to offer additional places.

"We will be in touch shortly with the parents of those pupils that are affected and absolutely appreciate the importance of this issue."

The county has also reassured parents that what went wrong with forecasts and planning this year will be investigated - and that moves will be made to make sure there are enough places for future years.

The spokesperson added: "We will be undertaking further analysis on the data to establish why the situation is substantially different this year compared to last year, which has created the current issue.

"We are fully aware of the level of new housing development in the area and the impact this will have on school places. Plans are already underway to increase school capacity in the area for future years."

Maldon MP John Whittingdale, who rushed to meet with county councillors and officials over the issue after being contacted by worried parents, said: "I am very pleased that Essex County Council has reached agreement with Ormiston Rivers Academy and William de Ferrers Academy that they will expand their intakes so that there are places available this year for all children in the Dengie Peninsula who have applied. Confirmation of places will be given on 17th March.

"This will come as a huge relief to parents who were understandably distressed at the suggestion that their children would have to travel considerable distances each day to get to school. I am grateful to Essex County Council for moving quickly to resolve the problem."