NEARLY 100 per cent of Wiltshire children will go to their first choice secondary school this year.

Figures released today (March 1) show 98 per cent of Wiltshire children will attend one of their preferred choices in September, and 93 per cent of parents have been offered their first preference school - up from 92 per cent last year.

The number of parents applying online has also risen to 96 per cent this year, compared to 95 per cent in 2018 - as the number of children gradually increases in line with population growth.

There were 4,981 applications received this year – 174 more applications than in 2018.

Laura Mayes, cabinet member for children’s services said: “I’m really pleased here in Wiltshire so many families have been offered their preferred secondary school choice this September.

“Our impressive figures for Wiltshire are once again due to the careful planning of our officers who ensure there are sufficient places across the county for now and in the future.”

Parents who applied online found out today, while those who applied by post will have their decisions posted out to them today.

The results of online applications and further information are available at wiltshire.gov.uk/schools-learning-admissions-online

Parents will need their user ID and password to access their decisions.