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:
13. Red Barn Community Primary School, Portchester
Red Barn Community Primary School in Portchester had 34 people apply to the school as their first choice but only 30 were offered a place. Photo: Google Maps
14. St Jude's Catholic Primary School, Portsmouth
St Jude's Catholic Primary School in Portsmouth had 34 people apply to the school as their first choice but only 28 were offered a place. Photo: Google