98.35 per cent of Slough children to attend a preferred primary school

98.35 per cent of primary school aged children will be attending a preferred school in Slough as offers were made to parents and carers yesterday (Thursday).

There were 1,934 children applying for places in the borough’s primary schools with 91.42 per cent, or 1,768 pupils, successful in securing the first-choice school.

A total of 98.35 per cent of Slough applicants will go to one of their three preferred schools when term begins in September, compared to 98.20% last year, demonstrating a strong alignment with parental preference.

Cllr Puja Bedi, cabinet member for children and lifelong learning, said: “I am delighted that a high number of children have been offered a place at a school of their choice, with so many being offered their first preference. I wanted to say a massive thank you to our incredibly hard-working School Admissions Team. I wish all our young children the very best of luck settling into their new schools in September.”

The figures show that of the 1,934 pupils seeking a place to start school in September 2026, 1,768 (91.42 per cent) were offered their first preferred school, 119 pupils (6.15 per cent) were offered their second preference, and 15 pupils (0.78 per cent) were offered their third preferred school. Only 32 children (1.65 per cent) were not offered any of their preferred choices. Every child due to start in September 2026 has been offered a place.

The figures from last year were 1,994 pupils seeking a place to start school in September 2025, 1,832 (91.88 per cent) were offered their first preferred school, 170 pupils (5.87 per cent) were offered their second preference, and 9 pupils (0.45 per cent) were offered their third preferred school. 36 children (1.80 per cent) were not offered any of their preferred choices but were given alternative placements.

Parents and guardians now have to accept or decline the school place. Find more information.