THE anxious wait is almost over for parents and their children applying for places at secondary schools.

On average, 96 per cent of children in Worcestershire get their first choice school, but with some schools turning away as many as 55 applications, it is never guaranteed.

Mum-of-two Wendy Phelps used Worcestershire County Council's online application form and is waiting for an e-mail to tell her if her daughter Rohanna, aged 11, has got her place at Elgar Technology College. The 50-year-old, who works as librarian at the Bilford Road school, said: "We live in the area and I don't think there's ever been a problem getting into the school because not that many put it as a preference."

Mrs Phelps, who already has a 14-year-old son Jamie at the school, said it was an anxious time for children and parents. "Rohanna is waiting to find out where all her friends are going. It's one thing for us parents but it's a big step for them."

Worcestershire County Council gives priority to children in care, followed by those who live in the catchment area, with a sibling already at the school, medical, social or compassionate reasons, who attend a feeder school and finally those who live within walking distance.

Alison Cartwright, the council's policy officer for schools, said: "A lot of people will be quite happy with the letters they receive. However, we understand that some people will be disappointed."

Ten schools in the county have had to turn away more than 10 pupils due to demand for places.

Nunnery Wood High School had to refuse 36 children, Christopher Whitehead Language College, 11, Hanley Castle High School, 16 and the Chantry, in Martley, 15. Many faith schools, which oversee their own admissions, are also oversubscribed - Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College turned away 26 children and Bishop Perowne High School refused 55.

Ms Cartwright said disappointed children could be added to waiting lists in case spare places became available.

Parents also have the right to appeal to an independent panel and eventually the ombudsman. In 2001-2002, 453 appeals were lodged in Worcestershire, compared to 219 in 2006-2007. Last year, just 30 were upheld.