AN OVERWHELMING majority of Hampshire parents have landed a place at one of their preferred schools.

Nearly 90 per cent of those applying for a reception place were offered their first choice yesterday, with 97 per cent getting one of their top three.

There was a slight drop in Southampton, with 84.7 per cent getting their preferred school and 11 per cent securing their second or third choice.

The figures across Hampshire are similar to the last two years despite a predicted rise in demand. Hampshire County Council processed 15,600 applications, 260 more than last year.

It means more than 450 children missed out on their three reception choices, including 41 in Southampton.

A county council spokeswoman said: “Pupils who did not secure a place at one of their chosen schools will be allocated a place at a school near to where they live, with available spaces.

“In the small number of cases where parents may not have secured a place for their child at a school of their choice, those parents have the right to appeal and can ask for their child’s name to be added to their preferred school’s waiting list. Places can become available if parents change their mind and decide not to accept the offer of a place, or families move home.”

It came after a Ggovernment minister claimed uncontrolled EU migration was adding pressure to national school place shortages.

Priti Patel, who supports Brexit, said: “Education is one of the most important things that Ggovernment delivers, and it’s deeply regrettable that so many families with young children are set to be disappointed today.

“The truth is that for as long as we remain a member of the EU we are completely unable to control the numbers of people coming to this country - and with another five countries in the pipeline to join the EU the problem is set to get even worse.”

Unions and town hall leaders warned Ggovernment reforms that mean all schools will convert to academies are set to fuel the shortage in school places.

Councils will not have the power to force schools to expand in the future, even where there is demand and capacity, the LGA Local Government Association (LGA) said.

It warned that an additional 336,000 primary school places would be needed by 2024.

Roy Perry, chairman of the LGA’s children and young people board and leader of Hampshire County council, said: “Most academies will be keen to work with their local authorities, but in the minority of situations where this isn’t the case, appropriate powers are vital to ensure all children get a suitable place.”