The vast majority of parents with children starting primary school this year are celebrating after the places for the coming school year were announced.

Some 96 per cent of parents have seen their child allocated either their first, second or third choice school.

The figure represents a one per cent rise on last year, when 95 per cent were awarded one of their top three preferences.

A total of 3,821 pupil applications were made in total, with 87.69 per cent of pupils being able to take up a place with their first preference.

In addition 6.59 per cent were allocated their second choice of school, while 1.80% have been awarded their third preference.

Just 3.89 per cent of parents registered no preference with the council.

The council said a lot of effort had gone into ensuring parents and children weren’t disappointed.

A spokesperson said: “We work hard to offer parents one of their three preferred schools and this year 96 per cent of applicants were awarded one of their choices, which is an improvement on last year.

“No parent who has applied has been left without a place for their child and where we are able to offer parents one of their top three preferences, we have been able to offer an alternative.”