Leicestershire posts record-breaking school place rates

More pupils than ever before have places at their first choice secondary school, new figures out today (1st March) reveal.

A record-breaking total of 98.1 per cent of children have been offered their preferred choice and will be notified by Leicestershire County Council from today - this is up from 97.96 per cent last year.

The proportion of children given a place at one of their top three choices remained the same as last year at 99.5 per cent.

The percentage offered a place at their second choice is 1.3% and 0.1% for their third choice school.

Ivan Ould, Leicestershire County Council’s cabinet member for the children and young people’s service, said: “I am delighted so many parents have been able to secure their first choice school place for their child.

“The figures are testament to the hard work which has been put into raising awareness of the deadline for school admission places and the importance of applying on time.

"It's good news that the number of online applications has soared from 54 to 96 per cent - using the internet to apply is not only convenient but saves the council money on stationery and postage costs.

“This is the first year we've incorporated academies into the process and I’m pleased that we've developed positive working relationships, which we hope will continue.

"I would particularly like to thank the local media for their support in advertising deadlines. Their support is much appreciated."

Parents who applied online will be able to view their decision online by logging on with their username and password at: www.leics.gov.uk/admissions .

Others will receive letters from today (March 1st) advising them of the school place they have secured for their child.

Notes

March 1st is the day when secondary school admissions for September 2012 are revealed across the country.

The admissions process adheres to Central Government rules and gives parents the right to have an appeal heard by an independent panel.