A TOTAL of 95% of families have been offered their first choice of secondary school for pupils starting in September.

Wiltshire Council has confirmed 98% of families were offered one of their three secondary school preferences.

The council said early indications nationally were that the trend will show a decrease in the number of families being offered their first choice of secondary school.

However, in Wiltshire, the total receiving their first choice remained unchanged from 2022.

The total number of applications received decreased slightly, due to the number of children in the cohort transferring to secondary school in September 2023 being lower than in 2022.

In total, 5,087 applications were received – 166 fewer than in 2022.

The majority of parents applied online, with 99% or 5,087 submitted digitally, and just 47 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 Wednesday, March 15, to confirm they wish to accept or decline the place they have been offered.

Parents who have submitted a paper application will receive a letter confirming the outcome of their application which will be posted out to them on March 1.

Cllr Laura Mayes, cabinet member for education and skills, said: “Choosing the right secondary school for your child is such an important step and I’m pleased that once again Wiltshire families will have good news about their preferred schools.

“These healthy figures are possible due to the careful planning and strategic thought that our officers invest to ensure there are sufficient places for this September but also for the years ahead.

“I wish all our pupils and their families the best as they can now look ahead to September and preparations for making that important step from primary to secondary.”

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 the council website for details.

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.

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