First preference primary school places offered to 91% of Reading families

Ninety-one per cent of Reading parents have been offered a place at their first preference primary school for their child this year.

And 98% of Reading parents have been offered one of their top three preferred primary schools.

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.

BFfC received 1,727 applications for primary school places this year compared with 1,844 in 2022.

The number of families being offered their first preference school increased from 89% last year.

A transfer from infant to junior school was needed for 132 pupils in Reading and 97% of on-time applicants received their first preference.

Brian Grady, Director of Education at BFfC, said: “I am delighted we have been able to offer almost all Reading families a place at one of their top three preferred primary schools this year.

“We have also worked hard to make sure a place was found for every child whose parents applied for a primary school place in Reading.

“We send our best wishes to all the children who will be experiencing the excitement of starting in their primary school this September.”

Reading primary school offers 2023-2022

Offers	2023 (%)	2022 (%)	2023 (pupil numbers)	2022 (pupil numbers)
1^st preference	91%	89%	1,574	1,641
2^nd preference	6%	6.5%	99	120
3^rd preference	1%	2%	19	36
4^th preference	0.5%	0.5%	9	9
Offered divert	1.5%	2%	26	38