Fewer children fail to get secondary school choice

More children than ever before have secured a place at their first choice secondary school in Wiltshire.

Around 4,400 children have applied to start secondary school this September, with about 200 not getting their first choice school .

About 40 children got none of their first three preferences.

Secondary admissions are co-ordinated across county boundaries. Wiltshire's admissions team therefore deals with applications not only for all Wiltshire secondary schools (including the two grammar schools in Salisbury), but also with applications from Wiltshire residents to attend schools outside the county. 305 Wiltshire residents will be offered schools outside the county and about 300 children will come into Wiltshire schools from other areas.

Applicants have until Monday, 18 March to accept the offer they receive. After this date, applications received after the October deadline and up to 1 March 2013 will be considered. There are approximately 200 late applications awaiting consideration.

Lionel Grundy, cabinet member for children services said: "This is an important time for children and their parents and to be able to provide so many with their first choice of school is particularly good news."

Debbie Clare, admissions co-ordinator, said: "I am pleased we have handled so many applications on time and such a high proportion of children are being offered their first choice school. My team has worked extremely hard to ensure we have effectively handled all applications."

The right to an independent appeal is open to anyone who has been refused a place at one of their preferred schools. Details of how to appeal can be obtained by phoning the council on 01225 713010.