First choice primary school for 93 per cent of Rotherham children

And 98.57 per cent were awarded a place at one of their top three preferred schools, figures out today (Tuesday) show.

More than 3,100 emails and letters have been sent out across the borough today to inform parents of the arrangements for the next academic year.

Cllr Gordon Watson, Cabinet member for children’s services, said: “Once again, Rotherham is leading the way and giving parents and carers the schools they have selected for their children.

“This is despite the increased pressures on admissions because of higher birth rates. 

“It is a direct result of careful planning by the council to meet this increased demand for places, especially in popular schools, that we have been able to manage this successfully.

“Parents should be able to get their children into their local school and there is no doubt this will benefit the children in terms of their long-term education.”

A £15 million expansion and building programme, started in 2011, is adding 1,500 places at primary schools to meet demand amid the rising population.

The 93.51 per cent of pupils to receive their first choice is an increase of 3.11 per cent on last year’s figure.

Pupils not given their preferred school have been allocated a place at the nearest one with space.