98% of Reading parents 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.
Almost 94% of families were offered a place at their first preference primary school, which is a 3% increase on those offered their first choice last year (91%).
BFfC received 1,850 applications for primary school places this year, an increase of more than 120 compared to 2023.
A transfer from infant to junior school was needed for 126 pupils in Reading and 98% of on-time applicants got their first preference for this move.
Brian Grady, Director of Education at BFfC, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer so many Reading families a place for their child in one of their preferred schools this year, with a significant percentage offered their first choice.
“I’d like to personally thank all primary school staff for their continued commitment to making Reading such a popular choice and the Education team at BFfC for working tirelessly to ensure every child in the borough has been offered a place.
“Good luck to all children who start primary school this September and we send our best wishes for their big day.”
Reading primary school offers in 2024 and 2023
| Offers | 2024
(%) |
2023
(%) |
2024
(pupil numbers) |
2023
(pupil numbers) |
| 1st preference | 93.74% | 91% | 1,736 | 1,574 |
| 2nd preference | 3.4% | 6% | 63 | 99 |
| 3rd preference | 1.35% | 1% | 25 | 19 |
| 4th preference | 0.49% | 0.5% | 9 | 9 |
| Offered divert | 1% | 1.5% | 19 | 26 |