The vast majority of families in North Yorkshire have received an offer for their preferred school place, with 95 per cent of parents of primary-aged children securing their first choice for September 2025.
Figures released by North Yorkshire Council show that 99 per cent of families applying for a primary school place received an offer from one of their top three preferences. In total, 5,161 children will be starting primary school in the county this September.
The results build on the county’s strong track record. In 2024, 94 per cent of families were offered their first choice of primary school, and 98 per cent received one of their top three preferences. Nationally, the figure for first choice offers last year stood at 93 per cent.
Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, executive member for education, learning and skills at North Yorkshire Council, said: “I’m delighted to see so many children getting their first choice of primary school. It is always our intention to support as many parents as possible with their preferences, and yet again this year, the overwhelming majority of North Yorkshire families have been successful in gaining admission to the school of their choice.
“We wish all children who start primary school in September all the very best and hope they enjoy a happy and exciting start in their new schools.”
Secondary school offers were also announced last month. Ninety per cent of North Yorkshire families received an offer for their preferred secondary school, while 96 per cent received a place at one of their top three preferences. A total of 6,104 pupils in the county are set to transfer to secondary school in September 2025.
Cllr Wilkinson added: “Moving from primary to secondary school marks a significant milestone in a child’s education. I recognise how stressful this time can be for families and am therefore pleased with the number of young people allocated their first preference secondary school in North Yorkshire. We continue to work hard to ensure our secondary schools have the capacity to meet the demand for places and we are proud of our education record which strives to give every child the best start in life.”
Sir Stuart Carlton, the council’s corporate director for children and young people’s service, said: “I would like to thank our schools for all their support and for working so closely with families to ensure the local authority received as many on-time applications as possible. I wish all children who are transitioning to secondary school this September every success and happiness.”
Parents of Year 6 children in North Yorkshire can select up to five schools on their application forms, and this year the majority took full advantage of that option.
Families with children currently in Year 5 will be able to apply for secondary school places for September 2026 from 12 September 2025. Parents and carers are encouraged to use all five preferences to help improve their chances of securing a preferred place.
Further details on the admissions process can be found at www.northyorks.gov.uk/admissions.
Parents are also reminded that changes have been made to eligibility for home-to-school travel support. More information is available at www.northyorks.gov.uk/travelsupport.
Travel assistance will be assessed automatically, with notifications due by 30 May for secondary school pupils and no later than 30 June for primary school pupils.
