by Jo Sword

More than 500 Kent children due to start primary school in September have not been given a place at one of their top three choices.

Education bosses say there were almost 15,000 applications for school places this year - 190 more than last year.

Emails have already been sent out to parents who listed their top three school choices online while others will receive letters in the post today.

Almost 96 per cent of pupils have a place in their top three choices but 564 children have not been given a place in their top three due to demand.

KCC Cabinet member for children, families and education, Sarah Hohler, said: "This year has seen a rise in the number of parents applying for a Kent primary school place. There was much hard work to make sure a place was offered to every child.

"I am pleased the majority were given a school that they chose.

"For those parents who have not been offered a school they had hoped for, we urge them to visit the school they have been offered to speak to the teachers and get a feel for the school.

"This is the first part of the process and parents do have the option to go on a waiting list and lodge an appeal."

A specialist KCC team is on hand to help parents with any queries they may have. The telephone number is 01622 696565. Or they can speak to a Choice Adviser, on 01622 694073 or 01622 694065, who will be able to offer independent advice.

For more information on how to join a waiting list and/or appeal go to: www.kent.gov.uk/primaryadmissions

Has your child failed to secure their top three choice of schools? Email us at kentonline@thekmgroup.co.uk.