Nearly nine in 10 new Year R pupils in Portsmouth were admitted to their first-choice primary school for the 2023/24 academic year, new figures show. This is one of the best years for children getting into their first choice schools, however some schools are more difficult to get into than others based on a number of different factors.
The Association of School and College Leaders have said that the rising number of primary and infant school pupils is putting pressure on applications, especially in more affluent areas that have schools with good or outstanding Ofsted ratings.
Here are 13 primary schools in Portsmouth, and its surrounding towns and villages, which were hardest to get into based on the Department of Education figures – with parents in the Waterlooville area particularly struggling:
. Reception year admissions
Here are some of the hardest primary and infant schools to get into in Portsmouth and Hampshire. Photo: rawpixel.com
. Whiteley Primary School, Whiteley
Whiteley Primary School in Whiteley had 108 people apply to the school as their first choice but only 89 were offered a place. Photo: Google
. St Anthony's Catholic Primary School, Fareham
St Anthony's Catholic Primary School in Fareham had 44 people apply to the school as their first choice but only 30 were offered a place. Photo: Google
. Purbrook Infant School, Waterlooville
Purbrook Infant School in Waterlooville had 128 people apply to the school as their first choice but only 88 were offered a place. Photo: Google Street View
. St James Church of England Controlled Primary School, Emsworth
St James Church of England Controlled Primary School in Emsworth had 41 people apply to the school as their first choice but only 30 were offered a place. Photo: Google
1. Reception year admissions
Here are some of the hardest primary and infant schools to get into in Portsmouth and Hampshire. Photo: rawpixel.com
2. Whiteley Primary School, Whiteley
Whiteley Primary School in Whiteley had 108 people apply to the school as their first choice but only 89 were offered a place. Photo: Google
3. St Anthony's Catholic Primary School, Fareham
St Anthony's Catholic Primary School in Fareham had 44 people apply to the school as their first choice but only 30 were offered a place. Photo: Google
4. Purbrook Infant School, Waterlooville
Purbrook Infant School in Waterlooville had 128 people apply to the school as their first choice but only 88 were offered a place. Photo: Google Street View