ALMOST all parents in Reading have been given one of their top choices for their children’s schools, latest figures show.
Brighter Futures for Children, which handles children’s services in Reading, has confirmed that all primary school pupils in the borough have been allocated school spaces for the upcoming academic year.
It received 1,850 applications this year, a 7% rise compared to last year.
Statistics show that just under 94% of parents were given their first preference and 98% of parents were given one of their top three choices of schools.
Of those starting school in September, 1,736 pupils were accepted into their parents’ first preference place, 162 more than last year and representing a rise of 2.74% of the total.
The number of pupils given their second preference dropped from 6% of the total in 2023 to just 3.4% for the upcoming year, while those given their third preference rose marginally from 1% of the total to 1.35%.
Those offered a “divert” choice– a school not selected among their preferred choices– also dropped from 1.5% of the total to 1%.
Of the 126 pupils transferring from infant to junior school, 98% of on-time applicants were given their first preference place.
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.”
