Signs of boost for first-choice primary places
THERE are signs that more children are gaining places at their first choice of primary school in a number of areas in England, a survey suggests.
Hundreds of thousands of families across England found out yesterday which primary school their child will be joining this September, on what is commonly known as National Offer Day.
Early findings from a PA news agency survey of local authorities shows a child’s chances of winning a place at their preferred school varies depending on where they live in the country.
The survey, sent to councils across England – excluding London, shows many local authorities have seen a rise in the proportion of children receiving their top choice compared with last year.
As of midday on Monday, 37 of 52 councils, which provided comparable data, saw a rise in the proportion of children securing their preferred school compared to 2023.
Meanwhile, 12 councils have seen a decline in the proportion of families securing their first choice, and three councils have reported no change.
Among the areas where high proportions of pupils have obtained their first preference are Shropshire where 98.2 per cent got their top choice, and Cornwall where 97.6 per cent secured their first pick.
In comparison, in Windsor and Maidenhead, 86.6 per cent of children got their first preference, while in Central Bedfordshire 90 per cent got their top choice.
A population bulge that began in the early-2000s in England has been moving from primary schools into secondary schools in recent years.
A report by think-tank the Education Policy Institute (EPI) last week said falling pupil numbers could lead to some schools in England being forced to close.
Official data shows that last year 92.5 per cent of pupils were offered their first choice of primary school – which was up slightly on 92.2 per cent in 2022.
Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College
Leaders, said: “Many parents will be excited at getting their chosen school, but some will inevitably be disappointed.
“Last year the number of families receiving their first primary school preference increased to 92.5 per cent against a background of a fall in the overall number of primary-age children and it is likely that we’ll see a similar or increased acceptance rate this year. “However, this is unlikely to be evenly spread because of local factors – such as housebuilding – and particularly the pressure on places at schools which tend to be in more affluent areas and have ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ Ofsted ratings.”
Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, inset, said: “It remains the case that our disjointed school system continues to cause issues when it comes to school places.
“Local authorities are tasked with ensuring enough school places, but they don’t have the necessary powers commensurate with that responsibility.
“Until the Government steps in with a national strategy to ensure there are appropriate places for every child, families will face worry, and an unfair postcode lottery.”
A Department for Education (DfE) spokesperson said: “More children than ever before are receiving a world-class education, with 90 per cent of schools rated good or outstanding.”