NEARLY 98 per cent of Somerset children were offered a primary school place at one of their top three choices, it has been revealed.

Somerset County Council’s latest school admission figures show that an overall 97.7 per cent of 5,664 applicants were offered a place at one of their top three primary school choices, and 92.17 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.

Last year, 98.4 per cent of applicants received one of their top three preferences and 93.8 per cent received their first primary school preference.

A spokesperson for Somerset County Council said: “This is always a really busy time of year for the team and an important one for families across the county.

“It’s great to be able to meet the preferences of the vast majority of parents and carers.

"We wish all these children all the best as they start their primary school education, with all the exciting opportunities that presents.”

Of the 5,664 primary school applications received this year:

• 1st preference met – 92.17 per cent (5,221 applications)

• 2nd preference – 4.71 per cent (267 applications)

• 3rd preference – 0.88 per cent (50 applications)

Parents/carers of children not offered one of their top three primary school preferences can appeal the decision.

For more information about the appeal process, log on to www.somerset.gov.uk/education-learning-and-schools/choosing-a-school/

Did you receive your first choice? Or have you missed out? Let us know using the comments below - or email us at newsdesk@countygazette.co.uk