Primary school places announced

The majority (99 per cent) of children due to start primary school or due to transfer to a junior or middle school in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) this September have been offered a place at one of their preferred schools.

• 97.6 per cent of families living in BCP Council area have been offered a place in reception at one of their preferred schools.
• 99.29 per cent of families living in BCP Council area have been offered a place in year three (junior school) at one of their preferred schools.
• 100 per cent of families living in BCP Council area have been offered a place in year five (middle school) at one of their preferred schools.

The outcome of primary school applications will be shared with parents and carers today on National Offer Day, Wednesday 16 April 2025.

A total of 3,530 families living in the BCP area applied for a place in reception before the deadline of 15 January 2025. All children of parents in the BCP area who applied by the national deadline have been offered a school place for September 2025.

Parents and carers who applied online will be able to log on from 10am today to view their school offer. Offer letters will be sent to all parents who applied by the closing date of 15 January 2025.

Councillor Richard Burton, BCP Council portfolio holder for children and young people, said:
“Choosing the right school for a child is an important decision for families.

“That’s why we’re pleased that we have been able to offer a high percentage of families one of their preferred schools for their children to attend from September.

“We also recognise that some families may have questions regarding their child’s placement, and I would encourage them to contact the BCP Council School Admissions Team for help and advice.”

Families living in BCP area seeking information about school vacancies and options available, should contact the Admissions Team: 01202 123222 or 01202 127963.

Reception Preferences Offered

As at the national closing date for applications (15 January 2025), a total of 3,530 families living in BCP Council applied for a school place for admission to Reception in September 2025. Details of preferences offered are set out in the table below including percentage of families offered one of their preferences in the last 2 years.

Preference	Percentage Offered September 2025	September 2024	September 2023
1st Preference	89.1 per cent
2nd Preference	5.8 per cent
3rd Preference	1.98 per cent
4th Preference	0.65 per cent
Percentage offered one of their preferences	97.6 per cent	99.3 per cent	99.2 per cent

This data is for all applicants who applied by the National Closing Date of 15 January 2025

Junior School Preferences Offered

As at the national closing date for applications (15 January 2025), a total of 1,117 families living in BCP Council applied for a school place for admission to Junior School in September 2025. Details of preferences offered are set out in the table below including percentage of families offered one of their preferences in the last 2 years.

Preference	Percentage Offered September 2025	September 2024	September 2023
1st Preference	98.75 per cent
2nd Preference	0.54 per cent
3rd Preference	-
4th Preference	-
Percentage offered one of their preferences	99.29 per cent	99.5 per cent	98.4 per cent

This data is for all applicants who applied by the National Closing Date of 15 January 2025

Middle School Preferences Offered

As at the national closing date for applications (15 January 2025), a total of 198 families living in BCP Council applied for a school place for admission in September 2025. Details of preferences offered are set out in the table below including percentage of families offered one of their preferences in the last 2 years.

Preference	Percentage Offered September 2025	September 2024	September 2023
1st Preference	99.49 per cent
2nd Preference	0.51 per cent
3rd Preference	-
4th Preference	-
Percentage offered one of their preferences	100 per cent	99.5 per cent	97.2 per cent

This data is for all applicants who applied by the National Closing Date of 15 January 2025

What can I do if my child didn't get an offer at a preferred school

Carefully consider your allocated school and seek out information by contacting them and/or arranging a visit. You can also contact the School Admissions Team to find out where schools have vacancies and how to apply – see contact details below.

I haven't applied for a school place for my child yet

Families need to apply as soon as possible. They can download an application form at bcpcouncil.gov.uk/schooladmissions

I don't want to accept my allocated school

Contact the School Admissions Team for further advice. We strongly recommend you accept the allocated school – if you give up the place it will be allocated to another family. Accepting a place does not affect future applications, waiting lists or appeals. If you are offered a different school place at a later date, you can then turn down the place you were offered. If you decline the place offered on 16 April 2025, it will be allocated to another child. Please be aware that allocated schools are normally the school closest to your home with spaces available – giving up a school place without discussing the options available could mean that you have limited choice of schools that are further away from where you live.