A RECORD number of parents in Sandwell have been offered their first choice of primary school.

Almost 90 per cent of parents secured their first choice, the highest ever in the borough and an increase from 86 per cent last year.

Over 95 per cent were offered one of their top three choices with the rest being offered places at another Sandwell school.

Chris Ward, Sandwell Council’s director for education, skills and employment said: "It's great that this year we have nine out of ten parents getting their top choice of primary school.

"This is testament to all the work the council has done to make sure there are enough school places in Sandwell.

"More schools have been expanded and plans for new schools are in the pipeline to make sure we continue to offer places at parents' preferred schools."

Over half a million families across the country were notified on Monday (April 16) of which school their child will be starting in September 2018.