MORE than 98 per cent of Hampshire children have been offered a place at one of the secondary schools preferred by their parents, it has been announced.

The county council also revealed that of the 14,351 applications for school places received, 13,273 (92.49 per cent) will get to study at their first choice.

As well as those, 666 pupils (4.46 per cent) got their second choice, and 144 (1 per cent) their third choice.

However, 268 students (1,87 per cent) did not get an offer to any of their family’s preferred schools, and so were allocated places at their closest school – where spaces were available.

Parents of students that were allocated places have the right to appeal and their child’s name will be added to the waiting list for their preferred schools. Places do become available if parents change their mind, or families move home, civic bosses add.

Education chief at Hampshire County Council Councillor Stephen Reid said: “I am pleased to see that once again we have been able to offer a very high number of pupils a place at one of their preferred secondary school choices.

“Given the size of the county and increasing demand for school places, this is a significant achievement.

“Although pupil numbers continue to rise, we can assure parents that our investment in schools to provide the additional places needed is keeping pace, thanks to our strong track record in planning for the future.”

Primary school applications are now being processed and offers are due to go out to parents on April 16.