A record number of primary-aged pupils across the country received a place at their preferred school for 2023-24 – some 92.5% were offered their first choice, up from 92.2% in 2022-23 and the highest figure since 2014-15.
However, there was also a record low number of applications, with just 568,560 children fighting for the school places.
In Manchester, 5,985 of 6,302 children (95%) secured a place at their first preference.
Schools minister Nick Gibb said: “It is great to know that up and down the country families are able to make the right choice for their child, enrolling them in a school and environment that they feel will best support their child to learn and develop.
“Today’s figures attest to the Government’s priority in providing good quality school places, which will ensure every child has the opportunity to meet their potential.”
Here are the primary schools in Manchester which were hardest to get into, based on DfE figures showing the proportion of families putting it as their first choice who were successful in getting a place.
Additional reporting by Andrew Dowdeswell, data reporter.
1. Oversubscribed secondary schools in Greater Manchester
At William Hulme’s Grammar School, just 64% of parents who made it their first choice were offered a place for their child. A total of 33 applicants had the school as their first choice but did not get in. (Photo: Google Maps)
2. Varna Community Primary School
At Varna Community Primary School, just 71% of parents who made it their first choice were offered a place for their child. A total of 24 applicants had the school as their first choice but did not get in. (Photo: Google Maps)
3. Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School
At Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, just 71% of parents who made it their first choice were offered a place for their child. A total of 12 applicants had the school as their first choice but did not get in. (Photo: Google Maps)
4. Crossacres Primary Academy
At Crossacres Primary Academy, just 72% of parents who made it their first choice were offered a place for their child. A total of 33 applicants had the school as their first choice but did not get in. (Photo: Google Maps)