99 per cent of pupils offered a place at a school of their choice

This year a total of 6237 Gloucestershire children have been offered a primary school place for September, with 99 per cent being admitted to one of their preferred schools. 92 per cent of pupils also received a place at their first preference school

Cllr Phillip Robinson, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Bus Transport, said: “It’s that exciting time of year when families find out where the next stage of their child’s education will take place. Starting primary school is a big step and we wish all pupils well for this next stage of their journey.

“We aim to make sure that as many children as possible are able to attend a school of their choice and we’re pleased to have been able to achieve this for the vast majority again this year.”

Parents and carers who applied online will receive an email on 17 April confirming their school place, which they will be invited to accept online.

Those who did not apply online will receive a letter including the place on offer and the reasons why. This letter is specific to each pupil and contains an explanation for the decision made.

Parents are encouraged to accept their place online, or return their reply forms as soon as possible, and have until 24 April to either accept their school place or request an alternative school.

If parents ask for their child’s school place to be reconsidered, they will be placed on the waiting list for their preferred schools. If places then become available as some parents change their preferences over the coming months, they will be offered a place in line with the school’s admission policy.

Parents who do not get the initial offer they hoped for are encouraged to keep their place, as this will ensure that whatever the outcome of the reconsideration, their child will have a place at a school in September.

The county council will write to parents with the result of the reconsideration after 15 May and parents will have until the 22 May to reply. Those who would like to appeal their given school will be advised of the appeals procedure.

Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk