Nine out of 10 are offered first-choice primary

Nine out of 10 children in Peterborough have been offered their first-choice primary school for September, a council says

Nine out of 10 children in one city have been offered a place at their first-choice primary school, a council has said.

Nearly every child in Peterborough has been offered a place in their first, second or third choice, officials say.

The city council’s director of children's services said he was “delighted”.

Officials said parents had been given details about school placements for the September term in recent days.

'Potential'

Peterborough City Council said in a statement that 94.35% of children in Peterborough had been offered a place at their "first preference school".

It said more than 97% of children had been offered a place at their "first or second preference school" and more than 98% at their "first, second or third preference".

All school place offers have to be accepted by 2 May 2024 to ensure an offer is secured for September - although families could appeal, the authority added.

"I am delighted that so many young people have been able to receive their choice of school," said John Gregg, the council's director of children's services.

"Education plays such a critical part in ensuring that children get the best start in life.

"Being able to read and write well means that children can go on and reach their potential and this starts with a secure attachment to school and a relationship with a brilliant teacher."