THE overwhelming majority of parents have been offered a school place for their child at their preferred choice in the BCP Council area – but dozens missed out on any of their four preferences.

For children going into reception in September, 94.3 per cent of the 3,654 applications were offered their first choice.

Junior school places saw 96.58 per cent of the 1,285 applications receiving their top option, while 99.5 per cent of the 203 middle school applications were offered first preferences.

Overall, 99.18 per cent of families living in the BCP Council area have been offered a place in reception at one of their four preferred schools.

Thirty families were redirected to another school having been offered none of their choices for reception.

Fifteen families faced the same outcome at junior school level, with 98.83 per cent of families living being offered a place at one of their preferred schools.

All middle school applicants received one of their preferences.

BCP Council said all parents who applied online by the closing date of January 15 were able to log on from 10am yesterday to view the result of their application.

Letters are also being sent to all parents who applied by the closing date.

Cathi Hadley, BCP Council’s corporate director for children’s services, said: “We are pleased that we have been able to offer a high percentage of families one of their preferred schools for their children to attend from September.”

From 4,302 applications in the Dorset Council area, 94.68 per cent have been offered their first preference of reception school, 98.09 per cent have been offered their first preference of junior school and 97.40 per cent have been offered their first preference of middle school.

Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council portfolio holder for children, education and early help, said: “Starting school, or joining a new one, is a big step in a child’s life so I am pleased that so many families have been offered their first choice.

“I wish them all the best of luck for September and thank everyone involved in the school allocation process for their work to make this happen.”

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