Primary school places allocated for 2017

Today (April 18) families across Bristol are receiving offers of primary school places for September.

This year 5,603 applications were received, with the overwhelming majority (5,443 or 96%) being offered one of their top three choices. Applications were down slightly on 2016 (5,716), but have risen 5% in the past five years.

In line with last year, the number of families being offered their first preference school stood at 86% (4,850), whilst those who were not offered one of their preferred schools fell to just over 3% (192 compared to 253 last year).

In the past few years the council has worked with partners to provide 10,000 additional primary school places in the city.

Paul Jacobs, service director for education and skills, said:

“As a Learning City we recognise the importance of learning at all ages, and starting primary school is a key milestone in any child’s life. We do everything we can to support families at this time to ensure that transition is as smooth as possible.

“In recent years we have been working with a number of different partners and education providers across the city to make sure we have enough high quality places for all pupils. Our forecasts now show that we should be able to meet demand to 2020 and beyond.”

Families who applied online will receive an email today with their offer. Families are advised to check their SPAM folders for this email. Families who applied by post will be sent a letter on 18 April.

Waiting lists become available from 23 May and a second round allocation, where any places that may become available will be reallocated, will take place in the first week of June.

Bristol City Council’s school admissions team can be contacted on 0117 903 7694 or by email at school.admissions@bristol.gov.uk