PARENTS in Bolton were finding out last night if their children had been accepted into their first choice of secondary school.

Around 400 pupils were told they will not be going to their chosen school — but 98 per cent won a place at one of their top three choices.

Bolton Council sent out letters to families over the weekend informing them of the school their child would be going to.

Those who have not been awarded a place at their first choice school have been told they will be put on a waiting list in case other pupils decide not to go to that school.

Parents have also been told how they can appeal against the decision.

A council spokesman said: “We understand that parents make informed, positive choices for their child’s education and we fully appreciate how stressful the process of admissions for secondary schools can be for those who are unsuccessful in securing a place at their preferred school.”

The council said it expected more pupils to get their first choice in the next few months as a result of appeals and with some parents choosing independent schools.

More than 3,800 children will start secondary school in Bolton this September. The council placed 89 per cent of pupils in their chosen school — the national average is 83 per cent.

Parents of nursery school pupils will find out later this month whether their child has won a place at their first choice primary school.

steven.thompson@ theboltonnews.co.uk