One in twenty fail to get first choice school

5 percent of Wiltshire children will not be attending their preferred secondary school this September according to the latest figures.

4,600 children applied to start secondary this September with 98.7% being given one of their preferred schools and 95% being offered their first choice school. 65% of the applications were completed online.

Every applicant can name up to three preferences.

Secondary admissions are co-ordinated across county boundaries. Wiltshire's admissions team deals with applications for all Wiltshire secondary schools including the two grammar schools in Salisbury and applications from Wiltshire residents wishing to attend schools outside the county. This year 305 Wiltshire residents will be offered schools outside the county and approximately 300 children will come into Wiltshire schools from other areas.

Applicants have until March 18 to accept the offer they receive.

Laura Mayes, cabinet member for children services said: "Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions a parent has to make and I'm very pleased that once again so many Wiltshire pupils will be going to the school of their choice."

The right to an independent appeal is open to anyone who has been refused a place at one of their preferred schools.