A BABY boom, new houses and foreign nationals have meant 109 families in North East Lincolnshire will lose out on a place at their first choice primary school.
This was the explanation from Ian Lindley, North East Lincolnshire Council's (NELC) portfolio holder for people and communities, today, as families find out if their child has been allocated a place at their preferred school.
However, Councillor Lindley was otherwise pleased to announce that 94.25 per cent of the 1,895 families who applied for a primary place this year did get a place at their first choice, according to statistics released today.
Of the 109 who didn't get their top choice, 78 were offered their second or third choice and the remaining 31 applicants will be allocated a place at the next nearest school.
However, the figures are not final as NELC will be receiving late applications and appeals until Thursday, May 16.
Mr Lindley said: "Since 2010, we have seen a large increase in the local birth rate, an influx of foreign nationals and their families and new housing developments, all of which create extra demand for primary places in our area.
"Enhancement or new-build work is under way at a number of primary schools to increase their capacities to meet the growing demand for places."
Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) has also experienced high numbers of applications, with figures released today revealing there have been 7,325 applications this year.
The slightly lower rate of 92.3 per cent of children got their first preference; 4.9 per cent got their second and 1 per cent their third choice.
That leaves 132 children who were not offered a place at one of the three schools they chose – compared to 169 last year.
Debbie Barnes, director of Children's Services for LCC, said: "There are many stories about how stressful the admissions process can be, but every year the overwhelming majority of parents are successful in gaining admission to the school of their choice."
Applicants in North East Lincolnshire have until Thursday, May 16, to appeal or apply late.Those who didn't get their first choice will be sent details of how to appeal. For advice, contact NELC's School Admission Team for advice on 01472 323081 / 323316 / 323079 or via email at schooladmissions@nelincs.gov.uk. Information is available by following this link: http://www.nelincs.gov.uk/resident/schools-and-education/apply-for-a-school-place-admissions-information/ Applicants with Lincolnshire County Council have until 17 May to lodge an appeal if they are unhappy with the offered school. If they return the appeal form by the deadline it will be heard before the end of term - if it is received late it will still be heard but this may be in September. Find out everything you need to know by calling the schools admissions team on 01522 782030 or following this link: http://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/parents/schools/school-admissions
