MORE than 90 per cent of parents in Bradford have secured their first choice primary school for the new school year in September, following National Offer Day yesterday.

Bradford Council's admissions team offered 91 per cent of applicants their first choice, a two per cent rise from last year.

The percentage who received their first or second choice also increased to 96 per cent, and for one of their top three selections the number was 97.5 per cent.

Parents and carers found out their allocated school yesterday online or were sent letters in the post which are being delivered first class.

Mark Douglas, Strategic Director for Children’s Services at Bradford Council, said: "It is fantastic that we have been able to allocate more Bradford families their first preference of primary school this year. 

"Of the 7,054 total applications from families for a reception class place, more than 97 per cent have been allocated one of the top three schools they preferred.

"We continue to work hard to ensure our primary schools have the capacity to meet the demand for places. We understand how much it means to families to secure a place for their child at a preferred school and try hard to achieve this where possible."

If families are unhappy with the outcome of their application, they have until May 17 to submit an appeal. Parents who are appealing decisions regarding Dixons Academies Trust schools, Bingley Grammar School, or Catholic-run faith schools in the district, need to appeal to the school directly.

For more information about the appeals process, visit the Bradford Council admissions website.