Date published: 2025-04-16 | Category: Children's Services, Delivering for local residents, Schools, Colleges and Learning
More than 99% of families with three and four-year olds in Bath and North East Somerset have been offered one of their overall preferences for a primary school place for the fourth year running.
Figures released today (April 16) by Bath & North East Somerset Council also show that more than 95% of children got their first preference of school.
The total number of applications received from Bath and North East Somerset residents for the 2025/26 Reception year was 1,686 compared to 1,646 for 2024/25.
Of them, 1,611 received an offer for their first preference school, 52 pupils were offered their second preference and eight pupils offered their third preference.
Fifteen pupils weren’t offered a place at any of their preferences and were offered a place at their next nearest school with a place available. These are known as referrals.
All B&NES pupils who made an on-time application were offered a place.
Councillor Paul May, cabinet member for Children’s Services, said: “Starting school for the first time is a big milestone for every child and their family. Everyone wants to find a school where their child can be happy, safe and reach their full potential, so it’s excellent news that more than 95% of families have once again been offered their first preference.”
ENDS