Eighty-eight per cent of pupils get their first choice primary school place

The data on primary school allocations has been announced by the Council as part of ‘national offer day’, with more parents and children getting their first preference primary school choice than in 2015, and 9% more than in 2012. Out of 2148 applications, 1886 (88%) received an offer for their first preference, 160 (7%) their second preference, and 35 (2%) an offer for their third choice. Sixty-seven (3%) received an alternative offer (12 less than last year and 44 less than in 2014).

Brin Martin, the Council’s Head of Learning, says: “It is pleasing that nearly nine in 10 pupils have received offers for their first preference and 97% one of their top three. These are the best figures that we have achieved since we started recording in 2010. Despite having 52 additional applications since 2014, more people have received their first choice and this really highlights the hard work that we do around school admissions and increasing pupil places. We recognise that there will be disappointed families within the small number who did not receive any of their top three choices and indeed within those that did not receive their top preference. This year saw a very high demand for some schools which means some reached their limit before all children could be offered a place. We are pleased however that all children who applied for a school in the borough received an offer and there are a number of surplus places for any late applications. In addition, the Council is committed to supporting and continually improving all of our schools across the Borough which will help to ensure that there are sufficient places offering good quality and choice to local parents and carers.”