Almost all Reading parents (99%) who applied for a primary school place for their child starting school this September have been offered one of their top three preferred schools.
Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC) has successfully allocated school places for all primary school pupils in the borough.
Ninety-four per cent of families were offered a place at their first preference primary school, which is the same as last year.
BFfC received 1,742 applications for primary school places this year, down by 108 compared to 2024.
A transfer from infant to junior school was needed for 128 pupils in Reading and 100% of on-time applicants got their first preference for this move.
Brian Grady, Director of Education at BFfC, said: “We are very happy to be able to offer so many families a place for their child at one of their preferred schools this year, and have even seen a slight increase on last year’s percentage.
“A huge thank you goes to all primary school staff across Reading for their hard work and commitment, as well as to the BFfC Education team for making sure every child in the borough has been offered a place.
“Good luck to everyone starting primary school this September and we hope you enjoy the early years of your education.”
Reading primary school offers in 2025 and 2024
| Offers | 2025
(%) |
2024
(%) |
2025
(pupil numbers) |
2024
(pupil numbers) |
| 1st preference | 94.32% | 93.74% | 1645 | 1,736 |
| 2nd preference | 3.96% | 3.4% | 69 | 63 |
| 3rd preference | 0.80% | 1.35% | 14 | 25 |
| 4th preference | 0.23% | 0.49% | 4 | 9 |
| Offered divert | 0.69% | 1% | 12 | 19 |