AN overwhelming majority of pupils have been offered a place at one of their preferred schools by Hampshire County Council last month.

In total 97.3 per cent of parents applying for a primary school place, in reception year, have been offered a place for their child at one of their three preferred schools, with just under 90 per cent obtaining a place at their first choice school. ?For those transferring from infant to junior schools, 98.8 per cent got one of their preferred schools, with 97 per cent obtaining their first preference.

Figures for 2016 are similar to last year, despite the predicted rising demand for places.

In total, Hampshire County Council’s admissions service processed more than 15,600 on-time applications for primary places, with over 260 more applications received for places in September 2016, compared to last year.

Pupils who did not secure a place at one of their chosen schools will be allocated a place at a school near to where they live, with available spaces.

In the small number of cases where parents may not have secured a place for their child at a school of their choice, they have the right to appeal and can ask for their name to be added to their preferred school’s waiting list.

Places can become available if parents change their mind and decide not to accept the offer of a place, or families move home.