Most children get into their first-choice school

Parents have been finding out this week whether they have been offered a place at their preferred primary, infant or first school.

Worcestershire County Council revealed that 92 per cent of parents who applied were granted their first choice of school.

Councillor Liz Eyre, cabinet member for children and young people's services, said: "I am pleased that we have been able to offer so many parents their first choice of school this year. The authority does plan school places well and this is having a positive impact."

The council received a total of 5,752 applications for primary, infant and first school places for this September.

Parents unhappy with their offer can appeal the decision - but they only have until today to do so.

Last month, your Worcester News reported how 92 per cent of 6,143 11-year-olds had been offered their first choice of secondary school in the county.

Following those offers, there have been 82 appeals lodged with the council by parents who are unhappy with their offer.

Their appeals will be dealt with by the Appeals Secretariat, an independent panel based at County Hall in Worcester, and are being heard until the end of June.

Coun Eyre said: "We get applications from all over, including out of the county. Parents are now a lot more mobile and don't always choose to send their children to the school within the catchment area where they live.

"However, it is not always possible to accommodate everyone, so we always expect a certain amount of appeals."

In Herefordshire, almost 94 per cent of parents were offered their first-choice primary school.

Chris Baird, head of planning, performance and development, said: "Herefordshire Council offered 90 per cent of families an offer of their first choice high school earlier this month - one of the highest percentages in the Midlands and well above the 81 per cent nationally.

"We are delighted to be able to offer so many parents their first choice primary school as well."