97 per cent of Lancashire children will go to one of their preferred primary schools this September

Figures for primary school admissions show that over 97 per cent of pupils have been successful with one of their preferences, with 2.8 per cent missing out.

Figures from Lancashire County Council show that more than 88.6 per cent will get their first preference, 6.8 per cent will go to schools which were their second choice, while 1.8 per cent will attend their third preference school. 2.8 per cent have been allocated a place at other schools.

The council has said careful planning and management of the required number of school places means that the vast majority of four-year-olds will be lining up in the playground at one of their preferred schools, according to Lancashire County Council.

County Councillor Phillippa Williamson, cabinet member for children, young people and schools, said: "This is an exciting but anxious time of year for parents, as they find out where their child will be starting school in September.

"Robust planning means that over 97 per cent of pupils have been allocated a place at one of the schools they preferred, with the majority getting a place at the school they wanted the most. Importantly, once again we've been able to offer every child in Lancashire a school place.

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

"However, I know it can be very disappointing for parents if their child is one of the few who don't get one of their preferences, and our local admissions teams will be happy to give information and advice."

This year, 95 per cent of applications were completed online.

A total of 13,480 children have received primary school place offers this year.

Parents will receive details about who to contact for advice and information on school admissions and appeals in the offer letter or email they receive.

Any parent or carer will continue to have the right to appeal to any school, if their child hasn't been offered a place there.

To allow this to happen during current coronavirus outbreak, appeals can't be held in the usual way face-to-face.

The Department for Education (DfE) are looking at alternatives, and will be issuing guidance and making regulatory changes that, subject to legislation being passed, will come into force later this month.

Specific information received from the Department for Education (DfE) regarding admission appeals will be made available at www.lancashire.gov.uk, as soon as it is available.

Parents can call on 0300 123 6707 or visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/schools, for more information regarding their school place.