Andy Munns
99% of Wiltshire families have been offered one of their three secondary school preferences for this September, with 95% offered their first preference.
Figures released show 95% of parents have been offered a place at their first preference school for their child, which is the same percentage that were offered their preference school in 2023.
The total number of applications received decreased slightly due to the number of children transferring to secondary school in September 2024 being lower than in 2023. 5,036 applications were received, 51 less than in 2023.
Most parents applied online, with 99% or 4,987 submitted digitally and just 49 paper applications.
Parents and carers who have applied online have be sent an email confirming the school place offer for their child if they have selected to receive their decision via email.
If they have selected to receive their decision via the Parent Portal, then parents will need to log back into the Parent Portal to view the outcome.
All parents and carers have until 15th March 2024 to confirm if they wish to accept or decline the place they have been offered, so there is plenty of time to respond.
Parents must have their user ID and password to confirm if they wish to accept or decline the place.
Further guidance on how to access the Parent Portal can be found on the Wiltshire Council website in the FAQs section at https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/schools-learning-admissions-online
Parents who have submitted a paper application will receive a letter confirming the outcome of their application, which was posted to them on 1st March 2024.
Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Children’s services said: “This is such an important time for all our young people, and I’m really pleased the number of those being offered their school preferences has risen again.
“These high figures are possible due to the careful planning and strategic thought that our officers invest to ensure there are sufficient places for now and the future.
“I wish all our pupils and their families the best as they start the next step in their school journey, transitioning from primary to secondary school this September.”
The right to an independent appeal is open to anyone who has not received an offer at one of their preferred schools. Parents who wish to appeal for a place at a voluntary controlled or community school should visit the Wiltshire Council website for details of how to appeal.
Parents who wish to appeal for a place at a voluntary aided, foundation school or an academy should contact the school directly to lodge an appeal.
Parents with general admissions queries can email admissions@wiltshire.gov.uk or contact customer services on 01225 713010.
