Fifteen out of the 70 primary schools in Bath and North East Somerset are oversubscribed, according to figures provided by B&NES Council following the announcement of school places last month.
St Keyna Primary School in Keynsham | Photo © St Keyna Primary School
Figures provided by Bath and North East Somerset Council reveal St Keyna Primary School in Keynsham was in highest demand, with 3.6 applications for each of its 30 places available in its September reception intake.
It initially refused places to 28 pupils. Bathwick Primary School and Widcombe Infant School were close behind, initially refusing places to 23 children each.
Out of 1,790 applications from Bath and North East Somerset residents, 1,772 got one of their three preferences for their children – a 99 per cent success rate.
However, 18 pupils were not offered a place at any of their preferences, but were offered a place at their next nearest school with a place available.
Some 93.6 per cent of applicants got their first preference of primary school, down from 94.9 per cent last year.
Admissions criteria prioritise youngsters with special needs, children who are or have been in care, those with a sibling already at the school, and those who live nearest to the school.
Places were offered on 16th April. Parents had until 30th April to indicate if they would appeal and have a 16th May deadline to send a letter of appeal.
The fifteen oversubscribed schools in B&NES are:
1. St Keyna Primary School
30 spaces – 28 children initially refused a place
2. Bathwick Primary School
30 spaces – 23 children initially refused a place
3. Widcombe Infant School
60 spaces – 23 children initially refused a place
4. St. John’s C of E Primary (Keynsham) School
30 spaces – 18 children initially refused a place
5. Oldfield Park Infant School
60 spaces – 15 children initially refused a place
6. Combe Down Primary School
60 spaces – 9 children initially refused a place
7. St Philip’s Primary School
40 spaces – 8 children initially refused a place
8. Bathford Primary School
30 spaces – 7 children initially refused a place
9, Somerdale Educate Together Primary School
30 spaces – 7 children initially refused a place
10. Chew Magna Primary School
15 spaces – 6 children initially refused a place
11. Newbridge Primary School
60 spaces – 5 children initially refused a place
12. Welton Primary School
28 spaces – 3 children initially refused a place
13. Freshford Primary School
20 spaces – 2 children initially refused a place
14. High Littleton
25 spaces – 2 children initially refused a place
15. Chandag Infant School
60 spaces – 1 child initially refused a place
Stephen Sumner, Local Democracy Reporter
