IT has been reported by Somerset Council that more than 99 per cent of children starting school in the area this September have been offered a primary school place at one of their top three preferences.

In total 99.43 per cent of the 4,938 applications received by Somerset Council for the 2026/27 academic year were offered a place at one of their preferred primary schools.

Breaking down the figures further, of the 4,938 primary school applications received by the council 4,710 (95.38 per cent) received their first preference; 162 (3.28 per cent) gained second choice and only 38 (0.77 per cent) were handed their third choice.

Families who applied online should have received their school offer by email on national primary school offer day April 16. Those who applied using a paper form will receive their offer letter shortly.

Cllr Heather Shearer, lead member for children, families and education at Somerset Council, said: “Starting primary school is a really important moment for children and their families, so it is reassuring to see such positive outcomes again this year.

“These figures show that the vast majority of children in Somerset have been offered a place at a school preferred by their family, which reflects the careful planning and commitment of our schools and admissions team.

“I wish all children a happy and confident start as they begin this new chapter.”

Last year 5,086 applicants were offered a place at one of their top three preferred primary schools (99.27 per cent), with 4,866 children (95.67 per cent) receiving their first‑choice school.

Parents and carers of children seeking further information can visit the council’s applying for a school place webpages.