Published at 11:10, Thursday, 24 May 2012

THE majority of children have been offered a place in their preferred primary schools, according to figures released by the county council.

Around 5,000 parents and carers requested a place for their child to start in reception class in September, and 97.5 per cent were offered one of their three preferred primaries.

A total of 96.5 per cent got their first choice.

The figures, down slightly on last year when 99.8 per cent were successful in being offered one of their three preferences, have just been released and council bosses said they compared “favourably” with other areas of the UK.

Letters have gone out to parents informing them of their result.

Duncan Fairbairn, Cabinet member for schools and learning, said they had achieved “great success once again” but admitted there would always be a small number of parents who were disappointed.

Reasons for them not getting their preferred places can include late applications and also where parents did not specify three preferred primaries.

A spokesman for the council said 174 children did not get their first choice school, with 50 of those because the applications were received too late.

A further 38 did not get their second choice – including 15 late applications – and 12 didn’t get their third.

Coun Fairbairn said it was vital parents applied on time and listed their preferences.

“Naming only one school does not increase your chance of securing a place at that school,” he said.

“If anyone has changed their mind since requesting a school place they are advised to contact the admissions team to discuss this further. Places are still available at a number of schools.

“Where parents are refused a place, they have the right of appeal to an independent admission appeal panel,” added Coun Fairbairn.

“Details of how to submit an appeal have been included with the refusal letter.”

The county council last month approved a £12.6million investment to fund an extra 1,200 primary school places.

The plan is to add 176 extra places in reception classes from September.

This will eventually provide 1,232 more places as the expanded year group works its way through schools.

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk