93.55% of Essex parents offered first or second primary school preference
Over 93 per cent of parents have been offered their first or second choice of primary school places for their children.
The authority said it was pleased to announce that of the 16,000 parents receiving notification of their place:
• 86.72 per cent of parents were offered their first preference school
• 6.83 per cent of parents were offered their second preference
• 2.45 per cent of parents were offered their third preference
• 1.11 per cent of parents were offered their fourth preference
Essex County Councillor Ray Gooding, cabinet member with responsibility for education and lifelong learning, said: “This is great news for parents across the county.
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“I am fully aware many parents will have been waiting nervously ahead of primary offer day and I am sure many parents will be delighted with the outcome and will now look forward to September.
“The fact that despite pressures on primary school places we have maintained high numbers of parents being offered their first preference school, highlights the council’s work to create the necessary places.
“To respond to the challenge of population increases we have commissioned almost 600 more reception places for September 2014 and are committed to delivering another 300 primary places by September 2015. Our commitment to creating these primary places enables us to ensure parents continue to secure places at their preferred schools.
“It is also important, at this time, to recognise the hard work and dedication of our primary schools in improving standards. The number of primary schools judged good or outstanding in the county has increased from 62 per cent in 2012 to 70 per cent in 2013.
“By supporting primary schools to make these necessary improvements we are easing pressures in the primary admissions system as parents prefer good or outstanding local schools.”
2.89 per cent of parents could not be offered any of their preferences and have been offered a place at the nearest school with a place available.
