Ninety per cent of Reading parents have been offered their first choice of primary school for their child this year.
Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC), which delivers education services in Reading, has ensured all primary school pupils in the borough have a place for September.
The number of first choice offers has increased from 83% last year and 97% of Reading parents have been offered one of their top three preferences, compared with 95% in 2020. Only two per cent of parents were not offered one of their preferences compared with three per cent last year.
BFfC received 1,804 applications for primary school places this year compared with 2,042 in 2020. However, the number of applications received after the deadline has brought the figure close to the forecast number of 1,948. Late applications have still to be processed
There were 145 pupils who needed an infant to junior school transfer this year. Reading has only two schools for which this transfer is necessary and 100% of on-time applicants received their first preference.
Prof Dr Kate Reynolds, Director of Education at BFfC, said: “We are pleased to be able to offer so many Reading families a place in one of their top three primary school choices this year and delighted that 90% have received their first choice.
“Pupil numbers can fluctuate year to year for various reasons and I would like to thank our school admissions team for ensuring all primary school pupils in the borough have a place for September.
“I would also like to personally thank Reading’s brilliant primary schools for the amazing work they have done for their pupils and families throughout the pandemic. It will be such an exciting time for all children starting at their primary schools in September and I send them our very best wishes.”
Reading primary school place offers 2021/2020
| 2021
(%) |
2020
(%) |
2021
(pupil numbers) |
2020
(pupil numbers) |
|
| 1st preference offers | 89.73 | 83.44 | 1625 | 1753 |
| 2nd preference offers | 5.36 | 8.85 | 97 | 186 |
| 3rd preference offers | 1.66 | 2.76 | 30 | 58 |
| 4th preference offers | 0.5 | 1.19 | 9 | 25 |
| Pupils offered divert | 2.15 | 3.33 | 39 | 70 |
Parents can find more details of primary school admissions at: https://brighterfuturesforchildren.org/schools/admissions/primary/