Some parents in Telford & Wrekin cheated in a bid to get their children places in their first-choice secondary schools, it emerged today.

Council officials said about six parents had tried to use false addresses on forms and an investigation had now been launched.

Children across the country learned yesterday whether they a place at their preferred school.

Letters were sent to more than half a million families on what is known as “national offer day”.

A spokesman for Telford & Wrekin Council said: “We have already uncovered a small number of applications where parents have tried to use a false address, approximately six, but this figure could rise after allocation if we receive further information.”

Shropshire Council has the best record in the West Midlands for meeting the first preference but figures for Telford & Wrekin are also higher than for many other education authorities.

No-one was available for comment at Shropshire Council on whether it too was investigating allegations of admissions fraud.

Nationally many pupils aged 10 and 11 have had to accept second, third or even sixth-choice schools, according to reports. It is believed that competition was particularly tight in areas such as London and Birmingham.