AT least 1,500 Hampshire children have failed to get a place at their first choice primary school.

The county council has revealed that more than 10 per cent of four year olds did not receive their top option.

The figures are similar to last year despite a rising demand for places, with almost 15,000 applications made for primary school places this year.

Hampshire County Council has revealed that just under 90 per cent of parents applying for a primary school place for their child have been allocated a place at their first choice school.

More than 97 per cent have been offered a place at one of their top three preferred schools.

Councillor Keith Mans, executive lead member for children's services, said: “I am pleased to see that we have been able, yet again, to offer a high number of pupils a place at their preferred school.

“I do understand that there will be some disappointment for a small number of parents who did not secure a place for their child at a school of their choice.

“However, they have the right to appeal in these situations and can put their child's name down on their preferred school's waiting list.”

The figures for Southampton City Council are not yet available.

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