The statistics from the Department for Education have revealed that a record number of primary-aged pupils across the country received a place at their preferred school for 2023-24 – some 92.5% were offered their first choice, up from 92.2% in 2022-23 and the highest figure since 2014-15.
However, there was also a record low number of applications, with just 568,560 children fighting for the school places.
In North Yorkshire, 5,050 of 5,286 children (95.5%) secured a place at their first preference.
Nick Gibb, Minister of State for School Standards of United Kingdom, said: "It is great to know that up and down the country families are able to make the right choice for their child, enrolling them in a school and environment that they feel will best support their child to learn and develop.
"Today’s figures attest to the Government’s priority in providing good quality school places, which will ensure every child has the opportunity to meet their potential."
Here we take a look at the primary schools in the Harrogate district which are the hardest to get into, based on figures from the Department for Education, showing the proportion of families putting it as their first choice who were successful in getting a place...
9. St Mary's Catholic Primary School
At St Mary's Catholic Primary School, just 72 per cent of parents who made it their first choice were offered a place for their child. A total of 11 applicants had the school as their first choice but did not get in. Photo: Archive
10. Rossett Acre Primary School
At Rossett Acre Primary School, just 93 per cent of parents who made it their first choice were offered a place for their child. A total of four applicants had the school as their first choice but did not get in. Photo: Jonathan Pow
11. Spofforth Church of England Controlled Primary School
At Spofforth Church of England Controlled Primary School, just 94 per cent of parents who made it their first choice were offered a place for their child. A total of one applicant had the school as their first choice but did not get in. Photo: Archive
12. Ripon Cathedral Church of England Primary School
At Ripon Cathedral Church of England Primary School, just 96 per cent of parents who made it their first choice were offered a place for their child. A total of one applicant had the school as their first choice but did not get in. Photo: Archive