MORE than 200 Hampshire children will not go to their secondary school of choice this September.

Figures from Hampshire County Council show that 207 out of the 12,962 applications processed were not allocated a place at any of their three chosen secondary schools, while 311 (2.4 per cent) were not offered a place at either their first or second preferred school.

Letters with offers arrived at homes yesterday and for 98.4 per cent of students it was good news as they were offered a place at one of their three chosen schools. A total of 97.6 per cent were allocated a space at their first or second preference.

Councillor Peter Edgar, Hamp-shire County Council’s executive member for education, said: “Once again we have been able to offer a high number of pupils a place at their preferred secondary school and that’s a significant achievement considering the size of our county.”

He added: “I do understand there will be some disappointment for those who did not secure a place at one of their chosen schools.”

Parents have a right of appeal and can put their child’s name on a waiting list at their preferred school.