98 per cent of pupils offered a place at a school of their choice

For 5,606 children, 92 per cent, that means a place at their first preference school. 

Parents and carers who applied online will receive an email on 16 April confirming their school place, which they will be invited to accept online. 

Those who did not apply online will receive a letter detailing the place offered and the reasons for it. This letter will be specific to each child.

Parents are encouraged to accept their place online, or return their reply forms as soon as possible, and have until 23 April to either accept their school place or request an alternative school. 

Children will be placed on the waiting list for their preferred schools, if requested by parents. If places then become available as some parents change their preferences over the coming months, parents and carers will be contacted and offered a place in line with the school’s Admission Policy. 

Parents unhappy with their initial offer are encouraged to keep their place, as this will ensure that whatever the outcome of the reconsideration, their child will have a place at a school in September. 

The county council will write to parents with the result of the reconsideration after 14 May, and parents will have until the 26 May to reply. Those who are still not satisfied with their given school will be advised of the appeals procedure. 

Cllr Linda Cohen, Cabinet member responsible for Education at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “It’s an important time of year when families find out where the next stage of their child’s education will be but we also know it can be worrying as well as exciting and that’s why we’re so pleased to be able to confirm a preferred school for 98 per cent of children.  

“Starting primary school is a big step for any child, and I wish them and their families the very best for this next stage of their journey. I’m delighted that we have been able to offer so many pupils a school of their choice for September.” 

The admission criteria and more information about waiting lists for every school are available at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/schooladmissions.