First choice school plan works out

3:10pm Tuesday 6th March 2007

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THOUSANDS of parents are celebrating today after finding out their child will go to the school of their choice.

Bolton local education authority allocated a first place choice of high school to 94.2 per cent of children for this September.

That number is set to increase as some parents decline the offer in favour of places in independent schools, and others launch appeals following refusals.

A total 89.9 per cent of children applying to voluntary-aided church schools, including Canon Slade, and foundation schools where they control their own admissions policy, received their first preference.

The figures are comparable to last year.

Although figures are still be collected, Government estimates show that, nationally, at least 90,000 children could miss out their first choice school.

Parents' groups have said that trying to get their child into the secondary school of their choice has become one of the biggest causes of stress for families.

Cllr Rosa Kay, Bolton Council's executive member for schools, said: "We have a very fair admissions policy which has been devised in consultation with a lot of people, including parents.

"These figures show that parents have confidence in their local schools, which are doing very well and improving all the time."

She said that for those parents who did not get their first choice for their child, advice was available.

Cllr Kay added: "Our appeals process is simple to follow.

"We cannot put extra pressure on schools by exceeding the numbers. But our appeals process is for the interest of the child and a deal can be brokered with the school if we feel it is in the best interest of the child."

She said parents could get advice on how to appeal from the local authority or their local councillor.