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Latest news in Yorkshire: Published March 02, 2019 02:14:17 PM
Record numbers of pupils are finding out today which secondary school
they will go to later this year in Rotherham.
Today is National Offer Day when pupils across the country find out
which secondary school they have been allocated and Rotherham is once
again leading the way nationally in terms of pupils getting into their
preferred schools. The vast majority of pupils have been allocated a
place in their top three preferences.
This is despite the Council receiving a record number of applications
this year for entry to Y7 in September 2019. There were 3,895 on time
applications received, which is 200 more than last year.
On top of this there were more extra district applications than usual
from neighbouring authorities. The rise is due to the high birth rate
for this year group.
Cllr Gordon Watson, Deputy Leader and Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member
for Children and Young People’s Services said: “It is great to see
Rotherham is still leading the way nationally in terms of pupils getting
into one of their preferred schools.
“I know this will be a huge relief for many parents and carers,
especially given there was a tight squeeze on places this year due to
the high birth rate for this cohort.
“Getting to go to a school you chose helps families and communities and
also helps drive up attainment levels.”
This year, 91 per cent have been allocated their first preference
school, down from 94.5 per cent last year. However six per cent have
been offered their second preference school – which is up from four per
cent last year. Similarly one percent have been allocated their third
preference school, which is up from 0.5 per cent last year.
Only two per cent who applied for a Rotherham school were not allocated
any of their preferences and instead have been offered their catchment
school or nearest school to home with a place available.
Last year was a record year with 99 per cent have been given one of
their three preferred schools, with 94.5 per cent getting their first
preference. And in 2017, 98.5 per cent of pupils were allocated one of
their preferred schools.
A rise in birth rates has placed huge strain on primary places
nationally and this is now coming through to the secondary sector.
However, in Rotherham officials have planned for this with a raft of
measures to increase secondary school places across the borough over the
last few years as part of wider £7 million growth plans across the
borough. Council leaders have also agreed to do the same for much needed
special educational needs and disability places and will be expanding
special and mainstream schools across the borough to accommodate this.
Any parents or carers who are not happy with the allocation for their
child has the right to appeal any decision which will be heard by an
independent panel.
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[tags education, schools, rotherham]