MORE than 90 per cent of primary school leavers in Oxfordshire will go to their first-preference secondary school this year.

Oxfordshire County Council has been sending letters to the county’s parents telling them whether their child had been accepted at their first-choice school.

In total, 6,351 pupils, almost 91 per cent, got a place at their first choice and nearly 98 per cent of children got into one of their “preferred” choices.

But about two per cent of children are facing the prospect of going to a school they did not choose.

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County council cabinet member for children, education and families Melinda Tilley said: “The council has consistently had a strong record of ensuring a high percentage of children can attend their first-preference secondary school.

“Despite an increase in the number of applications received for September 2015 it’s once again good news for the vast majority of families.”

She added: “Inevitably, where applications for particular schools exceed available spaces, we can’t offer everyone a place.”

The county councillor for Kingston and Cumnor added: “In such circumstances an appeal process is available to families wishing to challenge the outcome of their application.

“Details of how to do this have been sent to parents.

“Children’s names can also be placed on continued interest lists in case places become available at schools.”

Applications for secondary school places had to be submitted to the education authority by October 31.

Parents who have not applied for either a primary or secondary school place for their child for September 2015 should fill out a form available of the council’s website as soon as possible.

The form is available at oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/content/secondary-schoolapplications