PARENTS and carers who applied for their children’s primary school place online will receive the outcome by email by lunchtime today.

Those who applied using paper forms will receive notification by post in the coming days.

More than 98 per cent of Somerset children were offered a primary school place at one of their top three choices, the county council’s school admission figures show.

Overall 98.27 per cent of the 5,600 applicants were offered a place at one of their top three primary school choices, and 93 per cent received their first choice.

Due to the coronavirus outbreak, schools are currently only open for children of key workers and the most vulnerable pupils. The admissions team is asking that families do not contact their allocated school at this time.

Schools will make contact to discuss the admission and transition arrangements and will not be able to discuss admissions before they get in touch with parents/carers.

Last year 97.7 per cent of applicants received one of their top three preferences and 92.17 per cent received their first primary school preference.

Cllr Faye Purbrick, cabinet member for education, said: “This is always a really busy time of year for the team and an important one for families across the county.

“With the additional challenges facing families and children this year, I am really grateful that the team has managed meet so many preferences and get these notifications out to students within the normal time frame.

“To be able to meet the preferences of the vast majority of parents, carers and students is fantastic. We wish these children all the best as they start their education, with all the exciting opportunities that it presents.”

Of the 5,600 primary school applications received this year, 93.07 per cent were given their first preference, 4.45 per cent their second choice and 0.75 per cent, 42 applications, their third.

Parents/ and arers of children not offered one of their top three primary school preferences can appeal the decision. More information about the appeal process can be found at http://www.somerset.gov.uk/education-learning-and-schools/choosing-a-school/