HAMPSHIRE County Council has once again been able to offer nearly every parent, a place for their child, at their preferred choice secondary school.

More than 98 per cent of parents applying for a September 2017, Year 7 place at a Hampshire secondary school have been offered a school of their choice – with more than 93 per cent getting a place at their preferred first-choice school.

Peter Edgar, the county council’s executive member for education, said: “We have again been able to offer a high number of pupils a place at their preferred secondary school. That’s a significant achievement considering the size of the county and increasing demand for school places.

“Pupil numbers continue to rise, and I am pleased to say that our investment in schools to provide the additional places is keeping pace, thanks to our strong track record in planning for the future.

?“I understand there will be some disappointment for those parents who did not secure a place at one of their chosen schools, but every child whose parents applied for a place at a Hampshire secondary school, has been offered one. There are always individual schools with exceptionally high demand, which is a credit to the high standard of teaching at these schools.”

The county council received 13,521 on-time applications this year, up by around 60 from last year.

?Pupils who did not secure a place at one of their chosen schools have been allocated a place at a school near to where they live, with available spaces. Parents have the right to appeal in these situations and their child’s name will be added to the waiting list for their preferred schools. Places do become available if parents change their mind, or families move home.

The admissions team is now busy processing primary school applications with offers due to go out to parents on April 18.