New figures released this week by Somerset County Council show more than 98 per cent of Somerset children have been offered a primary school place at one of their top three choices according to this year’s admission figures.
Overall, 98.27 per cent of the 5,600 applicants were offered a place at one of their top three primary school choices, and 93 per cent received their first choice.
Anyone who applied for places online will receive the outcome by email today (16 April) – it could take until lunchtime for emails to arrive, so parents and guardians are asked to be patient. Those who applied using paper forms will receive notification by post in the coming days.
Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, schools are currently only open for children of key workers and the most vulnerable pupils. The admissions team is asking that families do not contact their allocated school at this time.
Schools will make contact to discuss the admission and transition arrangements and will not be able to discuss admissions before they get in touch with parents/carers.
Last year 97.7 per cent of applicants received one of their top three preferences and 92.17 per cent received their first primary school preference.
Cllr Faye Purbrick, Cabinet member for Education, said: “This is always a really busy time of year for the team and an important one for families across the county. With the additional challenges facing families and children this year, I am really grateful that the team has managed meet so many preferences and get these notifications out to students within the normal time frame.”
“To be able to meet the preferences of the vast majority of parents, carers and students is fantastic. We wish these children all the best as they start their education, with all the exciting opportunities that it presents.”
Of the 5,600 primary school applications received this year:
- 1st preference met – 93.07 per cent (5,212 applications)
- 2nd preference – 4.45 per cent (249 applications)
- 3rd preference – 0.75 per cent (42 applications)
Parents/carers of children not offered one of their top three primary school preferences can appeal the decision. More information about the appeal process can be found at http://www.somerset.gov.uk/education-learning-and-schools/choosing-a-school/
