THE wait for news of secondary school places is almost over for pupils and parents.

On March 1, parents of pupils transferring to secondary school in September will receive an allocation letter from Gloucestershire County Council.

All parents throughout the country will be offered one school place on the same day. Gloucestershire parents will have until March 14 to return their reply form.

Charlotte Jones, senior admissions manager, said: "This year, at this stage, 98 per cent of pupils have received a place at one of their preferred schools, and 89 per cent have been offered their first preference."

Go to www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/schooladmissions.