TODAY, parents across the country found out which primary school their children would be attending in September.

More than 83 per cent in Reading got their first choice for their children's primary school places this year, despite an increase of 160 applications compared to last year.

Brighter Futures for Children, which delivers education services in Reading, said that all primary school pupils in the borough have a place for September.

Of these, 83.44 per cent (1,753 pupils) got their first choice, with 3.33 per cent (70 pupils) offered a divert option.

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The number of applications for places at Reading's primary schools has increased, up from 1,882 in 2019 to 2,042 this year.

A total of 2,140 places were available on National Offer Day (April 16) in Reading primary schools.

The remaining places (160) are held for late applications and transfers during the academic year.

This year, a new primary school, Green Park Village Academy, is opening, which may account for the increase in applications.

For those who couldn't be offered a place, a divert school has been offered.

All divert schools are considered to be within a reasonable distance of the child's home address. This accounts for three per cent of applications.

Additionally, there were150 pupils who needed an infant to junior school transfer.

Reading has two schools for which this transfer is necessary - 98.67 per cent of Reading residents’ on-time applications received their first preference.

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There were two pupils who were not offered a place at their preferred school but they are not attending an infant school.

Late applications for these, too, still have to be processed.

Prof Dr Kate Reynolds, director of Education at Brighter Futures for Children, said: "It’s no surprise to us that there has been an increase in applications for Reading's primary schools this year.

"Parents are very happy with the very impressive education their children receive in the borough and we are working closely with all schools to maintain and further improve standards all the time.

"I'd like to personally thank all primary school staff for their continued commitment to making Reading such a popular choice and I'd also like to thank the education team at Brighter Futures for Children for working so hard to ensure so many families got their preferred choices and that every child in the borough has been offered a place.

"I wish all children starting at primary school this year all the very best for the future."

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Cllr Ashley Pearce, Reading Borough Council’s lead member for education, said: "It's great to see more parents choosing Reading's primary schools and over 95 per cent getting one of their top three choices.

"Welcome to Green Park Village Academy as the newest member of our primary family here in Reading.

"I’d also like to take this opportunity to extend thanks to all of our schools in Reading for all that they've done to keep the children of key workers and vulnerable children safe and in school, keeping home learning going so well, and still managing to help us with the admissions process.

"We continue to be grateful for all education staff going above and beyond every day."