95% win place at first choice school

VAST MAJORITY OF COUNTY PUPILS WILL GO TO ONE OF THEIR TOP THREE PREFERENCES

PARENTS and guardians have found out if they have been allocated their first-choice primary school for their child.

In Staffordshire, more than 95 per cent discovered they have been allocated a place at their top preferred school on April 16.

More than 99 per cent were offered one of their top three choices, with parents who applied online to receive their results from Tuesday onwards.

Figures show that out of a total 8,802 places allocated, 8,365 received their first-choice, while 8,725 were given one of their top three.

Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for education, Jonathan Price, said: “Allocating places always comes with challenges, especially with the increased demand for school places.

“The fact that we can consistently allocate the overwhelming majority of parents their first-choice primary school shows how hard our admissions team works, and also how helpful it is that the majority of parents submit their primary school preferences on time.” The county council recently announced that £56 million will be spent on building new schools, and maintaining and improving existing ones in Staffordshire over the coming year. This includes building a new primary in East Staffordshire.

Meanwhile, in Leicestershire, 7,012 applications were received with a record 99 per cent of children being offered a place at one of their top three choices.

A total of 94.6 per cent of youngsters due to start school for the first time have secured a place at their first choice, with 3.6 per cent offered their second preference, and 0.9 per cent offered their third.

Jane Moore, director of children and family services at Leicestershire County Council, said: “We’re pleased for everyone with a successful outcome, and recognise also that not every pupil has secured one of the places they had hoped for.

“There is support for families who want to talk about alternative school options or making an appeal. We want anyone needing this help to get in touch with us as soon as they can.

“I’d like to wish all children starting school for the first time a successful and enjoyable start to their schooling.”

The council is also reminding parents that if a place has been refused, the child will have been placed on the school’s waiting list. If a place becomes available, parents will be contacted automatically.

For more information, visit www. leicestershire.gov.uk/popular-now/ apply-for-a-primary-school-place.