FAMILIES across the Bradford district have been finding out which primary school their children will start in September.

Bradford Council said it had offered more than 98 per cent of applicants a place at one of their preferred primary schools.

Of the 6,902 applications received from parents and carers with children ready to start in reception class this autumn, 91 per cent have been offered a place at the school they listed as their top preferred school, and 98 per cent have been offered a place at one of their top three preferred schools.

The figures have been released as part of today's National Offer Day.

Families were able to log into their online account from midnight to discover which school they had been allocated. Parents and carers who had applied online were also sent emails from 8am this morning to confirm the outcome of their application and provide additional information.

Parents and carers who did not apply online have been sent letters directly to their home address by first class post. Any parent or carer who applied online but indicated that they did not wish to receive an email is also being sent a letter. Parents and carers who are expecting letters are asked not to contact the Admissions Team before 24 April to allow time for their letters to arrive. Allocations will not be disclosed over the phone.

Marium Haque, Strategic Director for Children’s Services at Bradford Council, said: “It is excellent news that we have been able to allocate such a high proportion of families a place at one of their preferred primary schools this year.

"Of the 6,902 applications from families for a reception class place, it is pleasing that 98 per cent have been allocated one of the top three schools they preferred. This figure is slightly up on last year.

“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. We continue to work hard to ensure our primary schools have the capacity to meet the demand for places.

"We appreciate that some families may not have received the news they wanted and would like to reassure them that there is support for them in their next steps. If any parent or carer wants to appeal, our school admissions team can give appropriate advice and guidance about the process. They can be contacted by emailing primaryadmissions@bradford.gov.uk or calling 01274 439 200.”