NATIONAL OFFER DAY: Anxious wait over for Bolton parents

Today is National Offer Day when parents across the country find out which primary school their child has been allocated.

In Bolton, 88 per cent of parents ­— 3,227 ­— have been successful in getting their child into their top choice primary school, which was one per cent higher than last year.

And 97 per cent of children, 3,575, received a place at one of the three schools listed on the primary school application form.

This was in line with last year.

A spokesperson for Bolton Council said: “Just as last year, we are delighted that 97 per cent of children in Bolton have been offered a place at one of their preferred primary schools.

“Every effort is made to find an appropriate school place for every child.

“The start of school is an exciting time and teachers and staff across the borough will be looking forward to welcoming new pupils to the classroom in September.”

Three per cent of children, 112, received an alternative offer, this was also in line with last year.

Bolton Council this year made a total of 3,687 offers which was down from 3,870 last year.

Parents have the right to appeal the school place offered and the numbers of children getting one of the three preferences is likely to rise as some parents opt to send their child to a free paying school.

Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the school leaders’ union NAHT, said many families applying for places for September 2021 will have been unable to visit the school in person due to Covid-19.

He said: “For those families not getting their first choice of school, the appeals process will be going ahead, albeit virtually. This process must be as robust as ever and be made clear to parents through effective communication and advocacy, where required.”

Mr Whiteman added: “This can be an anxious time for families. Choosing the right school and securing a place there is a huge moment in a child’s life."