Nearly all Oxfordshire children get first choice school

In total 93.9 per cent of pupils have received a first preference offer in Oxfordshire and 99.2 per cent were offered a preferred school.

This year’s national figures will be published later in the year.

Sean Gaul, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for children, education and young people’s services, said: “Children’s early years are an important stepping stone that will set them up for the future, which is why we place great importance in our aim of providing primary places based on parents’ preferences.

“It’s likely to take these children a bit of time to adjust to their new experience of going to school, therefore I’m pleased we’ve been able to offer the vast majority of applicants their first choice.

“Thanks to the county council teams who have been working hard to deliver this outcome.”

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Some families are not offered their first preference where applications for their preferred school exceed available spaces and those who are not happy with their allocated place can appeal by May 15.

Children’s names can also be added to waiting lists in case places become available at schools they are interested in between now and September. Waiting lists start on June 22

Anyone who has yet to apply for a primary school place for their child for September 2026 should email the council on admissions.schools@oxfordshire.gov.uk or phone 01865 519800 (option 2).