It's good news for Kent parents today as 86% secure their first choice of primary school.

A total of 14,943 parents were offered their first preference, up by 427 compared to last year.

But despite the improvement, this still leaves about 700 parents in Kent, and another 100 in Medway, disappointed.

The figures mean Kent is bucking the national trend, but experts warn new schools will have to be built and new places found if this is to continue.

"There has to be further schools and further classes opened otherwise we're going to go back to where we were a year or two ago" - Education adviser Peter Read

The total number of applications in Kent has increased for the eighth consecutive year to 17,415 – a rise of 321 from 2014.

Education adviser Peter Read said: "Kent has several hundred additional children coming through the system, but part of that will be absorbed by the six new primaries - six new academies - that are opening in pressure point areas, so that's good news.

"But numbers are going up year on year, so there has to be further schools and further classes opened otherwise we're going to go back to where we were a year or two ago."

Mr Read advised parents who had not secured their first choice of school not to panic.

He said: "The rules are quite clear. If you've not got any school of your choice, or your fist choice, you have rights.

"The main one that's going to produce effects is going on waiting lists.

"There is a considerable amount of movement as parents don't take up places or leave the area so many parents will get places for their children in time."

Patrick Leeson, KCC’s corporate director of education, said: "We will not lose sight of the fact that 4% of pupils have not been given a school from their preferences.

"While many will secure places through waiting lists and reallocation, I am aware that this will be a difficult time and we will do all we can to offer a good outcome.

“Local authorities across England face significant challenges because of a lack of primary school places.

"We are creating hundreds of additional places – both for the start of the academic year 2015/16 and from September 2016."

Parents who applied online should receive an email after 4pm today indicating which school they have been offered.

Parents can also log in after 5pm to view the offer online.

KCC said parents who applied by post will be sent notification by first class post today.

Parents can accept their school place offers or seek alternatives if they are not happy with their allocation.

For more information on how to join a waiting list or appeal visit KCC's website or phone the admissions team on 03000 412121.

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