THE ANXIOUS wait for parents and children to find out whether they have got into the primary school of their choice came to an end yesterday.

In Lancashire County Council (LCC) controlled schools, nearly 97 per cent of primary school starters landed a place at one of their three preferred schools this September.

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In Blackburn with Darwen, 96 per cent of children will go to one of their top three choices.

In the borough, 85 per cent of youngsters will go to their top choice, nine per cent to their second and two percent will have to be content with their third choice.

The remaining four per cent have been allocated a place at the nearest school to their home which has room for them.

Figures for primary school admissions in LCC controlled areas such as Hyndburn, Pendle, Burnley, Rossendale and Ribble Valley show that 88 per cent will get their first preference and nearly eight per cent will go to schools which were their second or third preference.

The remaining three per cent have been allocated places at other schools.

The number of children receiving preferred places is likely to rise as appeals are heard and adjustments are made.

Debbie Ormerod, Lancashire County Council’s school admissions manager, said: “This is an exciting but anxious time of year for parents as they find out where their child will be starting school.

“Importantly, once again we’ve been able to offer every child in Lancashire a school place.”

A total of 13,769 children have received primary school place offers this year.

For advice and information on school admissions and appeals, parents can telephone area education offices on 01254 220718 or 01254 220707.

Everyone whose initial offer is not for their preferred school will automatically receive a form about waiting lists and the appeals process.