MORE parents than ever will be sending their children to one of their preferred primary schools in Bournemouth following work to cope with growing demand on places.

In Bournemouth around 84 per cent of the 2,033 applications for reception class places were allocated their first choice school.

And four per cent of all the children – which is around 80 - were not offered any of their three preferences.

Cllr Nicola Greene, cabinet member for education and children’s services, said: “We have created a significant number of additional primary school places over the last few years through expanding existing schools and creating new ones.

“This has been extremely successful and popular with parents with the extra places provided being quickly filled.

“This year we have seen a slight decrease in the number of applications which reflects the slight reduction in birth rate across Bournemouth.

“We have worked extremely hard to try to accommodate families’ preferences and have been able to offer almost 96 per cent of parents one of the three schools they requested.

“We understand the need for children to go a school local to them and have created places in areas of greatest demand.

“However, in some areas all schools remain oversubscribed and so in some cases we have had to offer the nearest alternative school with places available.

“Where families have not been offered a place at their preferred school it is important to stress that this is not a final decision and that places can become available if parents change their mind, or families move home.

“I would encourage them to look at the information provided in their letter which will explain the options available to them.”

The total number of applications for reception and junior places was 2033, with 84.96 per cent getting their first choice. Total for second preferences was 8.31 per cent and for third preferences it was 3.54 per cent - leaving three per cent in a school they did not choose.

Dorset County Council has seen a total of 5,437 applications to its infant, junior, primary, first and middle schools – which is a one percent decrease from last year.

Overall, 94 per cent of applicants secured their first preference – a two per cent increase on last year.

Sara Tough, director for children’s services at DCC, said: “National Offer Day is a big day for children, parents and carers as they find out about their future education. We are really pleased that 94 per cent of children have received an offer of a place at their first preference school.

“Whichever preference they received, I wish all Dorset children the best of luck as they prepare to take the next step in their education in September.”

Poole were able to ensure that 98.5 per cent of parents were given one of the three schools they requested - with 93 per cent getting their first choice.

One per cent of parents got their third choice and 4.5 per cent were given their second choice.

Every Poole parent who applied for their child to attend reception by the closing date has been offered a place in a school, said Borough of Poole.