Slightly more Isle of Wight parents got their first choice primary school than in 2022, the Isle of Wight Council has revealed.

Overall, 99.5 per cent of families won a place at one of their top three and 96.5 per cent of applicants will be heading to their favourite school, in September.

Meanwhile, 2.8 per cent of applicants won their second choice and 0.2 per cent were allocated their third choice.

There were 1,024 applications in total - around 60 fewer than last year.

Isle of Wight County Press: Isle of Wight Council oversees the school places allocation at County Hall in Newport.Isle of Wight Council oversees the school places allocation at County Hall in Newport. (Image: Isle of Wight County Press.)

Under one per cent of families were allocated a place at the nearest school, when County Hall was unable to meet any preferences.

A further 22 children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) were also allocated places and are not included in the above percentages.

Councillor Debbie Andre, cabinet member for children’s services, education and skills, said: "I'm really pleased to see that the vast majority of applicants gained a place at one of their preferred schools, with most getting their first choice and all children being offered a place.

"I hope our children and their families will be looking forward to starting their primary education in September and that they settle in well and enjoy making friends and being part of their school community.

"I would also encourage all parents and carers to engage positively with their new school community as their support is vital to their child’s education."

How to appeal an Isle of Wight school places decision

In March, places at Isle of Wight secondary schools were allocated to more than 1,200 children.

Of them, 80 per cent - 1,035 - received their first choice for big school, starting September 2023.

That was a fall of three per cent and compared to 2020, the figure was nearly 10 per cent lower.

Meanwhile, 11 per cent won a place at their second choice school and three per cent will be attending their third choice secondary school in September.