School Admission Statistics: Securing your School of Choice

The good news is that each year, the vast majority of parents secure their school of choice or one of their preferred schools. In fact, as the data reveals there is little change from year to year so parents can be reasonably confident as National Offer Day approaches. Further, with the birth rate falling, it seems likely that the chance of securing your school of choice will become even better.

As parents anxiously wait for National Offer Day for primary school places on the 16 April 2026, take time to look at this data. The data will, hopefully, calm the nerves and enable parents to look forward to the big day with a little less apprehension. Let’s begin with the latest figures available, showing the national picture in England for children who started primary school or moved up to secondary school in September 2025.

The national picture for school entries in September 2025

Primary first choice

92.6% of applicants in England were offered their first choice of primary school.

98.6% of parents received an offer for one of their preferred primary schools.

Secondary first choice

83.5% of applicants were offered their first choice secondary school.

96.3% of parents received an offer for one of their preferred secondary schools.

How this compares with previous years

At a national level the share of families receiving their first choice has been steady with small movements year to year. The figures below show first choice offers in England over the last 5 years for both primary and secondary schools.

Primary School Admissions

2021: 91.8%

2022: 92.2%

2023: 92.5%

2024: 93.2%

2025: 92.6%

Secondary School Admissions

2021: 81.1%

2022: 83.3%

2023: 82.6%

2024: 82.9%

2025: 83.5%

These small movements from year to year are amply illustrated in this table.

Source: Department for Education

What this means for your chances of securing your school of choice

The good news is that most families receive a preferred place. Only a small minority do not receive a preferred offer. Nationally the preferred offer rate is 98.6% for primary school places and 96.3% for secondary school in 2025.

The statistics from the Department for Education reveal there are clear regional differences. London records the lowest first choice rates because families can normally list up to six preferences and have access to many schools within a reasonable travel distance. Inner London primary first choice is 85.0% and Outer London 89.5%. London has also recorded the lowest secondary first choice rates since 2019, while the North East and South West are the highest.

With the birth rate falling, primary school applications fell by about 1% and secondary school applications fell by about 2% compared with 2024. This is further good news for parents and for those planning to have children.

Practical steps to improve your chances of securing the school of choice

Most importantly, read the admissions criteria for each school you include in your application. Distance, siblings and faith oversubscription criteria can be so important. In many regions of the country you can list at least three schools and in London up to six. It is important to include at least one option you are very likely to secure based on distance and recent admissions patterns. If you do not get your top choice, accept the school place offered, ask to join waiting lists and consider a school admission appeal.

FAQs

What are my chances of getting a first choice place in the next round?

At national level around nine in ten primary applicants and more than eight in ten secondary applicants usually receive their first choice. The 2025 figures are 92.6% for primary and 83.5% for secondary. Your local picture may differ.

If my child does not get a first choice should I still accept the offer I received?

Yes. Accepting another offer keeps a confirmed place while you pursue waiting lists or an appeal. This will not harm your appeal or waiting list position.

How many families do not get any preferred school?

In 2025 the preferred offer rate was 98.6% for primary and 96.3% for secondary, which means a small minority do not receive one of their preferred choices. Waiting lists often move between offer day and September.

Why are the London School Admission rates different?

Applicants in London can usually list more preferences and have more schools within practical travel distance. This increases choice but reduces the probability that any single first choice is successful. London typically records the lowest first choice rates, while the share receiving a preferred offer remains high.

Have offer rates changed much since the pandemic?

Rates have been broadly stable. Primary first choice dipped around 2020 then rose to 93.2% in 2024 and is 92.6% 2025. Secondary first choice fell to 81.1% in 2021 due to the timing of selective school tests, recovered to 83.3% in 2022 and stands at 83.5% in 2025.

When are the National Offer Days?

Secondary school offers are made in early March, and primary school offers in mid April. In 2025 the offers were made on 3 March and 16 April. In 2026 secondary school offers were made on 2 March 2026. Primary school offers will be made on 16 April 2026.

Key takeaways for parents

My advice is that you use all your preferences and include a realistic local option for your child. As part of your selection process check the admissions criteria early and gather any evidence you may need. Finally, if you are unhappy with an outcome, accept the place offered, join waiting lists and consider an appeal. Good luck for 16 April.