Home Local News Most secondary pupils get the school place they want

Most secondary pupils get the school place they want

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Nearly 97% of pupils in Lancashire will be attending one of their preferred schools or academies this September, despite a rise of more than 1,000 applicants since last year.

Figures for secondary school admissions show that 87% will get their first preference, 9.5% will go to schools which were their second or third preference, while 3.5% have been allocated a place at other schools.

The numbers of those receiving preferred places is likely to rise as appeals are heard and other adjustments are made.

County Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, cabinet member for children, young people and schools, said: “Waiting to find out which secondary school you’ve been allocated can be an anxious time, for both parents and children. I have first – hand experience of this, so I know exactly how parents feel at this time.

“I’m pleased to know that 97% will be getting one of their three preferences and 87% have their first preference. Importantly, every pupil has been allocated a secondary school place.

“School places are allocated fairly and objectively and every application is agreed upon using the criteria which have been agreed for that school.

“Our admissions team do a good job advising parents how to use their preferences wisely and, what to do if they are unhappy with the place they’ve got. There’s still a lot of movement with the allocation of school places between now and September.”

This year more parents than ever – nearly 98% overall – chose to complete their application online.

For advice and information on school admissions and appeals, parents can telephone area education offices on the numbers below:

North (Lancaster, Wyre and Fylde): 01524 581112 or 581134

South (Preston, South Ribble, West Lancashire and Chorley): 01772 532191 or 532190

East (Hyndburn, Ribble Valley, Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale): 01524 220742 or 220707

Everyone whose initial offer is not for their preferred schools or academies will automatically receive a form with information about waiting lists and the appeals process. Appeals are heard locally and those for Lancashire secondary schools will take place during May and June.

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