Nine in 10 get top school

Nine out of 10 parents applying for primary school places across the Fylde coast will see their child go to the school of their choice.

Blackpool Council and Lancashire County Council revealed 90 per cent and 88 per cent, respectively, of applicants got their first place prefence, while 98 per cent and 97 per cent, respectively, were awarded one of their preferences.

In Lancashire, which oversees schools in Wyre and Fylde, 13,769 children have received primary school place offers this year.

Debbie Ormerod, school admissions manager at County Hall, said: “This is an exciting but anxious time of year for parents as they find out where their child will be starting school.

“Careful planning means that nearly 97 per cent of parents have been allocated a place at one of the schools they wanted with the majority getting a place at the school they wanted the most.

“Importantly, once again we’ve been able to offer every child in Lancashire a school place.”

In Blackpool, 103 children (seven per cent) were allocated their second preference and 19 children (one per cent) were allocated their third preference.

In Lancashire nearly eight per cent of future reception pupils will go to schools which were their second or third preference.

Only two percent, 36 families, were not successful in any of the preferences so were allocated the closest school with availability in Blackpool.

In Lancashire, three per cent of families were allocated places at other schools after not getting their preferences.

Mrs Ormerod added: “School places are allocated fairly and objectively and every application is agreed upon using the criteria which has been agreed for that school.

“However, I know it can be very disappointing for parents if they are one of the few who don’t get one of their preferences, and our local admissions teams will be happy to give information and advice.”

For advice and information on school admissions and appeals, parents in Wyre and Fylde can call: 01524 581112 or 01524 581134