More parents win first preference school place

8.36.53pm GMT Sun 23rd Mar 2008

• THE parents of over 1,900 Richmond Borough children will find out this week which primary school place they have been offered for September, . .

. . and 82 % will be awarded their first preference - up from 77 % last year. Parents who have not been offered their first preference are reminded that places will become available in the months ahead as some parents turn down offers in favour of other schools or because they are moving away.

Demand for places has risen by a further 50 applications to a new high after last year's record number. Like last year, Richmond Council has been proactive in ensuring that there are sufficient places available. This year extra classes will be provided at three schools to meet the phenomenal demand: Holy Trinity, St Mary's and St Peter's and The Vineyard. As a result of the extra classes being provided, the number of children without places at the initial allocation stage has shrunk from 136 last year to 63. It is anticipated that places will be found from the waiting lists for all those children in due course.

Cllr Malcolm Eady, Cabinet Member for Children's Services and Education on Richmond Council, said he was delighted that so many had secured their first preference school: "Our primary schools are outstanding and places at them are highly sought after. I am delighted that so many children will be attending their parents' preferred school. Our aim is to meet parental preference whenever we can, which is why we planned ahead to meet the demand. For those parents who have not yet been allocated a place for their child, I would like to reassure them that places will become available during the next few months. We have a programme to provide extra permanent school places, and have submitted a bid to the Government for extra funding. This will have to be supplemented by funding from the Council reserves and through borrowing. We are determined to ensure there will be enough places for all in-borough children not just this year but in the years to come."