First choice schools joy for most teenagers

MOST pupils heading into secondary education across the county have been given their first choice school.

Nine-out-of-10 youngsters have got their preferred option - 93.38% - while 97.7% got one of their top three.

However, 146 pupils have been denied one of their choices completely. It leaves families facing a battle to appeal or settling for an alternative school.

The new figures have been released by Leicestershire County Council as notifications are sent out to parents and their children.

This year has seen a rise in applications with over 6,500 received, compared to 5,725 in 2016.

Councillor Ivan Ould, cabinet member for children and families, said: “It is positive news that such a high number of young people have their first choice. We are now notifying students and their families to confirm their allocated secondary school place.

“We recognise that not every student has secured one of their preferred choices and advise anyone needing advice to get in touch as soon as possible, to discuss what options may be available to them, including an appeal.”

The notifications are for pupils starting secondary school in September this year.

The admissions process in Leicestershire adheres to central Government rules and gives parents the right to have an appeal heard by an independent panel.

Parents who applied on paper will receive a letter and those who applied online will receive an email about the decision.

To find out more visit www.leicestershire.gov. uk/admissions