Number of Cambridgeshire children offered first choice places for primary school increases

Parents that have applied for primary school places for this September received offers on Thursday (April 16)

The percentage of Cambridgeshire children offered places at their first preference primary school this September has been published. According to Cambridgeshire County Council, the percentage of Cambridgeshire children offered their first choice has increased from 94.1 percent to 94.7 per cent.

The proportion offered a place at either their first, second or third choice school has also marginally risen to 98.9 per cent this year, compared to last year. This means that just over one per cent (65 pupils) have been allocated places at other schools.

This is the second lowest proportion recorded in the last five years. This year saw a slight fall in the total number of applications received for a primary school place – from 6,457 in 2025 to 6,313 this year.

“We’re committed to providing children with the best possible start in life and offering a high quality education that’s close to home is key,” Cllr Edna Murphy, chair of the Children and Young People Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council said.

Cllr Murphy added: “I’d like to thank the council’s admissions and place planning team who I know have worked really hard to offer as many Cambridgeshire children as possible a place at their preferred school.”