A record 96 per cent of families in North Yorkshire have secured their first choice of primary school - an increase from 95 per cent last year.
Of all the families in the county who requested a primary school place for their child from September 2026, 99 per cent received an offer from one of their top three preferences for a school.
The number of children starting primary school in North Yorkshire in September is 5,137 pupils.
National Offer Day for primary school places is today (16 April). This is the day when parents and carers of children in North Yorkshire starting primary school or moving up from infants to juniors learn which school they will be attending from September onwards.
Nationally last year, 92.6 per cent of parents and carers in the country received an offer from their first choice of primary school.
Executive member for education, learning and skills, Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, said: “Starting school for the first time is such a key milestone and we are pleased that 2026 is a record year for families who applied for primary school places here in North Yorkshire and will see their children going to a school of their choice.
“It is always our intention to support as many parents as possible with their preferences and this year we have seen outstanding numbers of families successful in gaining admission to the primary school of their choice.
“We are proud to have excellent schools across North Yorkshire and we look forward to welcoming our new starters in September. I wish every child the very best as they begin this exciting next step in their learning journey.”
Corporate director for children and young people’s service, El Mayhew, added: “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 every child a happy and successful start to their primary education.”
For children currently in nursery who are due to start primary school in September 2027, parents and carers will be able to apply from October 15, 2026.
Find out more information about the admissions process.
Parents and carers are being reminded that, now that school places have been allocated, we will review eligibility for free home‑to‑school transport and will notify families of the outcome by email by Monday, 15 June.
Free travel is provided to the nearest suitable school - this may not be the catchment school for admissions purposes - for pupils from Reception to Year 11 if it is more than the statutory walking distances of two miles for children under eight, and more than three miles for children aged eight and up.
Children may also qualify for free travel if the route they walk to their nearest school is under these distances and is assessed as being unsafe, or if they have additional needs.
See more information about home to school transport is available online where you can also watch a short video explaining some of the frequently asked questions about free school travel.