235 pupils denied secondary school of choice in Staffordshire

More than 235 pupils failed to get into their first choice of secondary school in Staffordshire because of high demand.

Most county schools were full to capacity for September admissions — including Cheslyn Hay Sports and Community High, Walton High and Sir Graham Balfour in Stafford, according to new figures obtained through a Freedom of Information request.

Latest figures from the Department of Education showed that 94 per cent of children in Staffordshire were allocated a place at their first choice school, representing a slight fall on last year's figure of 94.8 per cent.

In Burntwood, 24 pupils were refused by the Chase Terrace Technology College and 14 were turned away from the Erasmus Darwin Academy.

While areas such as Cannock and Codsall had a 100 per cent success rate, Burntwood was not the only area to have to refuse pupils their first choice.

In Cheslyn Hay, 51 pupils who chose the village's Sport and Community High School as their first choice had to look elsewhere, while in Lichfield there were 31 pupils who couldn't gain a place at the King Edward VI.

In Stafford, five were refused a place at the Sir Graham Balfour High School, while 32 couldn't get in at Walton High.

Other areas with a 100 per cent success rate include Stone and Penkridge.

Ben Adams, Staffordshire County Council's cabinet member for learning and skills, said: "Across the county just over 94 per cent of parents were allocated their first choice secondary school, with nearly 98 per cent allocated one of their top three choices.

"This is despite increasing demand as the county's population grows."

It is estimated that over the next five years, around 3,000 secondary and 7,000 primary school places will be needed to meet demand. Last year, more than 1,300 school places were added in Staffordshire.

Councillor Adams said: "We know the admissions process can be quite daunting for a lot of parents, as we do as much as we can to make the process as easy as possible.

"Giving clear guidance, plus working with schools in Staffordshire and in neighbouring authorities, means we can allocate school places efficiently."

The national average for people getting into their preferred school was 84.2 per cent.