A larger than usual school year group will make its way from primary school to secondary school this September.

Today (March 1), parents of pupils going to secondary school in September have received a place from Gloucestershire County Council. All parents in the county have been offered one school place for their child on the same day.

A total of 6,772 Gloucestershire children who applied on time have been offered a secondary school place for September this year.

Eighty-three per cent of pupils have received a place at their first preference school and 94% have been offered one of their preferences.

This is a 'bulge year' of 236 extra children (compared to last year), due to an unusually high birth year in 2011/12, which is reflected nationally.

Cllr Philip Robinson, cabinet member for education, said: "We'd like to thank the local schools who have worked with us over the years and increased their capacity to manage this extra flow of children through the school system. We recognise that not everyone will be offered their first preference, but Gloucestershire is fortunate to have a secondary school sector that performs well.

"I'd also like to thank parents for their co-operation. We know that it's a big change for children when they move to secondary school."

Parents have until March 8 to accept their school place or request an alternative school. They are encouraged to accept their place online or return their reply forms as soon as possible.

More places are likely to become available over the next few months, as parents change their preferences.

If parents ask for their child's school place to be reconsidered, they will be placed on the waiting list for their preferred schools. If places then become available, they will be offered a place in line with the school's admission policy.

Parents unhappy with their initial offer are encouraged to keep their place, as this will ensure that, whatever the outcome of the reconsideration, their child will have a place at a school in September.

The county council will write to parents with the result of the reconsideration after March 29, and parents will have until April 7 to reply. Parents who are still not satisfied with their given school will be advised of the appeals procedure.