BARNSLEY children starting primary school in September have received their offers today with 94.2 per cent offered their first choice.
This is a rise from last year's proportion of 93.8 per cent - with a total of 2,428 children offered their first choice and 2,533 children - 98.3 per cent - having received an offer from at least one of their chosen schools.
Barnsley Council confirmed they had received 2,577 applications altogether.
Around 1.7 per cent, 44 children, did not get any of their choices but have been allocated a school place by the school admissions team.
It was also noted that 96 per cent of families applied online this year - which the council say makes the process more 'streamlined and quicker'.
Mel John-Ross, executive director for children's services, said: "We want every child and young person in Barnsley to be able to excel in their education and achieve their full potential.
"We are therefore delighted to see that 94.2 per cent of our borough's children were given their first choice of primary school today.
"This could not be possible without great partnership working between our school admissions team and Barnsley's primary schools.
"A big thank you to everyone who helped make it possible for families to find out their child's primary school place today.
"We recognise that some children and families may have received disappointing news and I want to reassure parents they will be supported in their next steps.
"Our admissions team are happy to help any parents who may wish to appeal with appropriate advice and guidance about the process."
