99 percent of families offered one of their preferred secondary schools

Monday, 3 March 2025 10:26

98.8% of Wiltshire families have been offered one of their preferred secondary school choices for this September, with 94.54% offered their first-choice school.

Families across Wiltshire have been finding out which secondary school their child will attend as the figures are consistent with 2024.

The total number of applications received has increased from 2024 with 5,090 applications were received, 54 more than the previous year.

Most parents applied online, with 99% or 5,034 submitted digitally, and just 56 paper applications.

Parents and carers who have applied online will 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 17 March 2025, to confirm they wish to accept or decline the place they have been offered, so there is plenty of time to respond.

Parents will need to 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 FAQ's section https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/schools-learning-admissions-online.

Parents who have submitted a paper application before the deadline of the 31 October 2024, will receive a letter confirming the outcome of their application which will be posted out to them on 3 March 2025. Please note, this is the day the offer letter is posted and not a receive by date.

Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said, "Choosing the right secondary school for your child is an important milestone, and I’m delighted that so many families have received positive news about their preferred choices once again. These strong numbers are the result of careful planning and strategic work by our team to ensure there are enough school places for this September and the years to come.

“I wish all pupils and their families the very best as they prepare for this exciting transition from primary to secondary school."

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 our 'Apply for a school place' web page 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 who have any further general queries regarding admissions can email admissions@wiltshire.gov.uk or contact our customer services on 01225 713010.