Six pupils in race for every place

Up to six pupils are chasing each place at an Oldbury primary school which has been revealed as one of the most over subscribed in the country.

Last year 178 children applied to go to Lightwoods Primary School, Church Road East where there were 30 spaces available.

The figures, revealed as parents wait to see if they have places for childrenthere, make Lightwoods the sixth most over subscribed school in England.

"Every year we get far too many applications for spaces," said deputy head Phil Robinson today.

"Our school is very much part of the community here, as well as all our pupils, local clubs can use our facilities in the evenings.

"Everyone who comes here says what a good feeling there is.

"We like to think that the children like coming here and they like learning.

"There is a big pupil voice and they get a lot of say in what goes on, I think that's probably what sets us apart."

He also cited a scheme of extra curricular creative lessons and workshops with professional artists to heighten morale and make learning more fun.

Lightwoods Primary School celebrates its 100th anniversary in May.