THE academic year started this week at a Taunton primary labelled the school with the smallest catchment area in the country.

Children living further than 93 metres from St Andrew's Church School are unlikely to secure a place at the over-subscribed school.

It means that some children living a mere minute's walk away have missed out on a place there.

That is because it gives priority to children in care, known as 'looked after children', followed by siblings of current pupils and then children who live nearest to the school, in Grove Terrace.

Although it is a Church of England school, St Andrew's, which has a pupil roll of 234 aged four to 11, does not prioritise children of faith.

Among the youngsters lucky enough to start in reception this week was Phoebe, aged four, the daughter of artist Susie Thomas.

She was accepted because her older brother, Max, seven, is already a pupil at St Andrew's.

Ms Thomas said she was delighted for Pheobe, adding: "We live very close to the school but we didn't take it for granted we would get in."

The school is part of the Bath and Wells Multi-Academy Trust and was rated as good by Ofsted following its most recent inspection.

Inspectors praised it for the progress pupils make, adding that they clearly enjoy their time at the school and "grow into caring and sensitive young people".

Keith Atkins has taken over as head teacher this term after his predecessor Paul Sheehan moved on.

The County Gazette has contacted the school and the multi-academy trust.