Hundreds miss out on primary school places

354 Wiltshire families have not got their primary school preference for this September with only 93% being offered their first preference.

Parents who applied online can see which school their child will attend by going to https://admissions.wiltshire.gov.uk/prefs.php

Terence Herbert, Wiltshire Council executive director children and education said: "Preparing your child to start their school days is a big milestone for every family and I'm pleased that once again we are able to provide so many with one of their preferences.

"I'd like to congratulate our hard working officers for their meticulous planning which ensures that we have sufficient places across the county for all our pupils."

The right to an independent appeal is open to anyone who has not received an offer at one of their preferred schools. The deadline for lodging an appeal for a voluntary controlled or community school is Monday 13 May.

Parents who wish to appeal for a place at a voluntary aided, foundation school or an academy should contact the school directly to confirm the appeal deadline date.

Information on how to appeal is provided in the decision letter which will be sent to all applicants and is also available at http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/schools-learning-admissions-appealing

Parents who have any further queries regarding admissions can attempt to contact WC customer services on 01225 713010.

Notes:

• 4,790 parents will receive an offer at the first preference school = 93.1%
• 225 parents will receive an offer at the second preference school = 4.4%
• 49 parents will receive an offer at the third preference school = 1%
• 80 parents will be allocated a school which was not one of their preferences = 1.5%
• This release contains a quote from a WC officer, which means WC recognises it as a Bad News story. Good News stories get quotes from Tory councillors.