High percentage of Doncaster children granted first choice secondary school

A total 99 per cent of children across Doncaster who applied on time have been offered a place at one of their three preferred schools, maintaining the level from last year. And 96 per cent have gained entry to their first choice school.

But 32 children from 2,900 applications failed to get in to a preferred school. They were all offered a place at a local school and their parents have been offered the right to make an independent appeal. The council will work with families to identify where alternative places are available.

Applications for places were encouraged online as part of Doncaster’s move to a digital platform, leading to a sustained increase in online applications - which now account for 87 per cent of the final number.

Councillor Nuala Fennelly, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools, said: “Today’s local figures represent a sustained performance on last year. This is a testament of our on-going commitment to making sure as many children as possible start the next academic year at one of their preferred schools.”