98% of Cheshire East parents offered a place at a primary school of their choice

Cheshire East Council continues to work with local schools to ensure that parents and carers receive primary school offers for children due to start in September 2020.

Offer letters have been sent to families this week with 98.1 per cent of Cheshire East residents offered a preference school and 91.4 per cent offered their first choice. 

The council’s school admissions team, which currently is continuing to operate during the Covid-19 crisis, received more than 4,200 applications for places including around 4,000 applications from Cheshire East residents.

For the very small proportion of parents who have not received a place at their first preference school and would prefer an alternative school, parents have the right to submit an appeal and/or go on the waiting list for another school(s). Parents are advised to accept their child’s offer even if they would prefer a different school, until they have confirmed alternative arrangements for their child’s education.

Councillor Kathryn Flavell, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for children and families said: “We continue to have an excellent record in seeing children and their parents offered a place of their choice in one of the many primary schools across the borough. We know that Cheshire East is a great place to learn with nearly 93 per cent of our primary schools rated good or outstanding by Ofsted.

“We also recognise that schools and children are facing lots of disruption at the present time, which is very unsettling. I am so proud of the continued commitment of school staff and pupils for their dedication and their creativity in adapting to new ways to learn. 

“We know that schools are reviewing their transition plans as new pupils and their families will not be able to visit during the current crisis. We are working closely with schools and ask that parents wait to hear from their chosen school during the summer term.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our admissions team who continue to work tirelessly with our schools, to ensure there are sufficient places for our children. Finally, I would like to wish all the children the very best start in their primary school as they continue to learn, develop and experience the many exciting opportunities that await them.”

More information and advice can be found at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/schooladmissions or on the website of the preferred school. 

Parents are also encouraged to follow the council’s Family Information Service on social media for tips and advice.