Around 91% of pupils are offered first preference secondary school

THE vast majority of Nottinghamshire pupils have been offered their first choice of secondary school as thousands discover the outcome of applications.

Parents and carers were being told yesterday about the outcome of their child’s secondary school applications for the coming academic year, starting in September.

The authority says more than 98% of the 9,446 applicants who submitted on time will be receiving a place at one of their preferred schools. Around 91% are being offered their first preference, with nearly 97% overall having been offered either their first or second choice.

Those who applied online will receive their offer by email or by logging into their school admissions account on offer day. Letters to the remaining applicants were posted yesterday and are expected to arrive in the coming days.

Councillor Sam Smith, the cabinet member for education and special educational needs and disabilities at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “To meet local need, many schools across the county have offered additional places, over their published admission numbers and I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved. The council’s admissions team has continued to work incredibly hard to deliver even better results this year.

“We are committed to providing sufficient high quality school places to meet the increasing demand for places as more families choose to live and work here in Nottinghamshire. I hope those about to move up to secondary school can now enjoy their last few months at primary and junior school before they begin the next phase of their education journey.”

Parents and carers have until March 15 to accept the school place offered and if their child has been refused a place at a preferred school, they will already be on that school’s waiting list. Those unhappy with their offer are advised to contact their preferred school for information about lodging an appeal.

But addressing the subject of appeals, Nottinghamshire County Council says: “Parents are advised to accept their child’s offer, even if they would prefer a different school and plan to appeal, until they have confirmed alternative plans for their child’s education. The council follows the Government’s school admissions code, which ensures that all school places for maintained schools and academies are allocated and offered in an open and fair way.”

Those who submitted a late application, or who made changes after the October deadline will be informed of the outcome after March 27.