THE percentage of pupils starting in one of their preferred primary schools has increased.

Overall, 98.9 per cent of pupils who will be starting reception in September will have one of their preferences met, rising one per cent from 97.8 per cent in 2018.

The percentage of pupils having their first choice met has also gone up from 91.4 to 93.7 in the last 12 months.

A total of 3,558 children have applied for a primary school place this year.

Interim assistant director for education at Wigan Council, Cath Pealing, said: “We are so pleased that more than 98 per cent of children will be starting their school life in reception class this September at one of their preferred schools.

“We have a brilliant track record in Wigan Borough for enabling children to get into the school of their choice and this is down to early planning and working with our school leaders to help meet demand.”

2019 figures

Percentage who received one of their choices: 98.8 per cent (3,516)

Percentage who received first choice: 93.7 per cent (3,333)

Percentage who received second choice: 4.1 per cent (147)

Percentage who received third choice: 1.0 per cent (36)

No preference met: 1.2 per cent (42)