16/04/2014

Lack Of Places Will Leave Thousands Without First Choice School

Parents across England are to receive notification of which primary schools their children have been offered places in, with many expected to find out they have missed out on their preferred choice.

Between 2012 and 2013 primary pupil numbers grew by almost 100,000 and education institutions are under increasing pressures to add extra classes in order to keep pace with a fast-rising birth rate.

Councils are also calling for more powers for opening new schools.

London and Bristol which will be the worst affected with one in five children not being admitted to their first choice school.

Primary school demand is expected to increase this September, reaching the highest figures in years due to higher birth rates and immigration. By 2016, councils across England will have to increase their capacity by at least 20% to ensure every child gets a school place.

A Department for Education spokesman said: "Making sure there are enough school places for the growing population is one of the department's top priorities. We know that creating those places is a big challenge, but the scorecards published today show we are on track."

(CVS)

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