THE wait is now over for parents of children starting school for the first time in September.

Today, Wednesday, thousands of parents across the Five Valleys found out which school their child has been offered.

All 6,725 applicants in the county have been allocated a space, nearly 90 per cent of which have been offered their first preference.

For those parents receiving a letter an explanation of the decision made will be included while all further clarification about general issues will be on the Gloucestershire County Council website.

Cllr Paul McLain, cabinet member for children and young people, said: "This is always a particularly stressful time for parents but our teams work very hard to try to ensure that as many pupils as possible get one of their preferences.

“I hope that all children settle into their new schools in September and have a happy start to their formal education.”

Charlotte Jones, senior admissions manager, said: "I’d encourage parents to complete and return their reply forms as soon as possible, but definitely by Wednesday, April 30.

“We anticipate that most parents will be happy with the place offered to them.

“For those who aren't, I would urge them to keep their allocated place as this will ensure that, whatever the outcome, their child will have a place at a Gloucestershire school."