Demand for secondary school places increases in Blandford and Ferndown

Students have been finding out today where they will be going in September

Author: Maria GreenwoodPublished 1st Mar 2023

Young people across Dorset have been finding out today which school they will be joining this September.

This year has seen an increase of 100 school places more than last year.

Blandford and Ferndown have been locations in particular demand with Blandford requiring 60 new places and Ferndown requiring 30 new places.

96.6 per cent of applicants have been offered their first choice of secondary school and just under 99 per cent offered their upper school of choice.

Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Help said:

“Today is an important day for young people, and their parents or carers, as they find out which school they will be joining in the autumn.

“I am delighted that most in the Dorset Council area have been offered their first choice of senior or upper school.”

“I wish the students the very best of luck as they get ready to join their new schools in September.”

Overall Dorset Council processed 3535 applications for 2023 entry, with 95.6 per cent of parents and carers opting to complete their applications online.

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