MORE children are being offered places at their first choice of primary school in the county, figures have shown.

Of 5,245 applications for a space in a primary school, 93.4 per cent have been offered a place in their preferred school for this September.

And it is becoming more likely that a family will receive their first choice, with an increase of one per cent from 2017, and three per cent more than 2016.

Just under 99 per cent of families were offered a place at one of their three preferences, which has also increased slightly year-on-year since 2016.

Laura Mayes, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for education, said: “This is a big day for thousands of families across Wiltshire, and I am delighted that the overwhelming majority can look forward to an exciting future at their first choice primary school in September.

“The high numbers of families achieving one of their preferences is once again also due to the long term meticulous planning by our officers who ensure there are sufficient places across the county.”

The right to an independent appeal is open to anyone who has not received an offer at one of their preferred schools.

The deadline for lodging an appeal for a voluntary controlled or community school is May 14, but parents who wish to appeal for a place at a voluntary aided, foundation school or an academy should contact the school directly to confirm the appeal deadline date.

Information on how to appeal is provided in the decision letter which will be sent to all applicants and is also available at wiltshire.gov.uk/schools-learning-admissions-appealing.

Parents who have any further queries regarding admissions can contact our customer services on 01225 713010.