MOST Hampshire pupils have got their preferred school places, it has been confirmed.

More than 97% of children in Southampton will be heading to one of their preferred primary schools in September.

The news comes as yesterday parents were told where their children will be educated from September.

Southampton City Council said 2,587 pupils have received a place at their first, second or third preference school.

The council said this is 97.7% of the 2,647 who applied for a school place this year and an increase in the proportion of children receiving a place at one of their preferred schools when compared with 2019.

Meanwhile, the authority also said 98% of Southampton children starting in Year 3 (junior school) will go to one of their preferred schools in September.

Council leader Christopher Hammond said: “The start of primary school is a big step for children and I’m really pleased that nearly all of them will be starting their school life in Southampton at their preferred school. This has been achieved despite the increase in the school-age population and growing demand for school places."

The figures in Southampton are similar to those across the rest of the county.

Hampshire County Council has confirmed that 97.77%  of parents have been offered a reception year place for their child in one of their three preferred choice schools with 90.96% being allocated a place at their first choice of school.

The authority said it has processed more than 22,500 applications this year.

Meanwhile,  of the pupils transferring from infant school to junior school (Year 3), 99.07% received a place at one of their three choices, with 97.88%  obtaining a place at their first choice school, the county council said. 

Cllr Roz Chadd, the authority’s executive member for education and skills, said: “This is very good news and reflects how school place planning is essential in ensuring that there is a school place for every child in Hampshire. ”

The council said parents who did not secure a place at a school of their choice have been advised about the right to appeal and the arrangements for their preferred school’s waiting list. The authority also said that in response to the current Covid-19 situation, parents of children starting school in September 2020 are advised to wait to be contacted by the school about how to present their proof of address and child’s birth certificate. They should not attempt to visit the school ahead of this, to ensure social distancing measures are adhered to, the council said.