A TOTAL of 99% of Wiltshire families have been offered one of their three secondary school preferences for this September.

Youngsters progressing to ‘big school’ have been receiving news of their allocation today, with 95% offered their first preference, Wiltshire Council said.

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. Just over 5,000 (5,036) applications were received, 51 less than in 2023.

The majority of parents applied online, with 99% or 4,987 submitted digitally, while just 49 submitted paper applications.

Parents and carers who have applied online will be sent an email confirming the school place offer for their child today, 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 March 15 to confirm if they wish to accept or decline the place they have been offered.

Parents will need to have their user ID and password to confirm if they wish to accept or decline the place.

For help on how to access the Parent Portal, see www.wiltshire.gov.uk/schools-learning-admissions-online.

Meanwhile, parents who have submitted a paper application will receive a letter confirming the outcome of their application, which will be posted out today.

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 with queries regarding admissions should email admissions@wiltshire.gov.uk, or contact customer services on 01225 713010.