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:
5. 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
6. Redlands Primary School, Fareham
Redlands Primary School in Fareham had 58 people apply to the school as their first choice but only 45 were offered a place. Photo: Google Street View
7. St Peter's Catholic Primary School, Waterlooville
St Peter's Catholic Primary School in Waterlooville had 77 people apply to the school as their first choice but only 56 were offered a place. Photo: Google
8. Queen's Inclosure Primary School, Waterlooville
Queen's Inclosure Primary School in Waterlooville had 70 people apply to the school as their first choice but only 56 were offered a place. Photo: Google