Nearly 99 per cent of children in Somerset were given one of their top three choices and more than 93 per cent have secured their first choice primary school for the next academic year – an increase on previous years.
Figures revealed by Somerset County Council show that for September 2017, 93.4 per cent of 5,620 children received their first choice primary school and 98.6 per cent of children were given one of their top three choices.
This is an improvement on last year, where 92.5 per cent of children received their first choice, and 97.7 per cent of children were given one of their top three choices.
A spokesperson for Somerset County Council said: “In nearly all cases we have been able to meet the preference of parents and carers. This year is an improvement on last year and that was an improvement on the year before.
“For those children who have not been offered one of their top three choices, we will work with the families to make sure we meet that child’s educational needs.”
In the first round of applications* for the 2017/18 school year:
• Somerset received 5,620 primary school applications, 210 fewer than in 2016
• 98.6 per cent of applicants have been offered one of their top three preferences
• 93.4 per cent gained a place at their first choice of primary school
• 4.2 per cent their second choice
• 1 per cent their third choice
• 1.3 per cent (66 children) have been offered an alternative school