LGA responds to national offer day for school places

Responding to government figures published today on children being offered a place at primary and secondary school, Cllr Anntoinette Bramble, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, said:

"Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important things a parent will do. Everyone wants their child in a school where they can be happy, safe and reach their full potential.

“Councils have worked closely with schools during the pandemic to ensure no child goes without a place. Despite an increase in applicants, the number of parents offered any of their ranked preference primary schools has increased to more than 98 per cent, with the equivalent offer rate for secondary schools maintained at more than 95 per cent.

”However, with two-thirds of secondary schools now academies, it is becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with demand. Councils have a legal duty to ensure capacity but currently have no powers to open new secondary schools or direct academies to expand. We want to work with government to amend this as soon as possible to ensure as many children as possible get the places they want.”

Notes to Editors

Secondary and primary school applications and offers