The hardest primary schools in Essex to get into ranked from highest to lowest

New figures have revealed that the hardest primary school to get into in Essex is more than twice as popular as the average. Figures from Essex County Council show that 98.37 per cent of primary school-age children starting reception in September 2025 have been offered one of their parents’ preferred schools.

However, over half of those choosing Essex’s most oversubscribed primary school - Chapel Hill Primary School and Nursery - as a first preference failed to get a place. Of the 63 applicants who put it down as their first preference starting in September 2025, only 29 were offered a place—a 46 per cent success rate. Altogether 30 places were available.



There was one second-place allocation. This year, Essex County Council received 15,618 primary school applications. Of these, 14,107 pupils due to start in Reception in September 2025 have been offered their parents' or carers' first preference of primary school.

This is 90.33 per cent of the total cohort. In 2024, 91.

27 per cent received their first-place preference. Read more: Plan to demolish historic Essex landmark in beauty spot dubbed 'a bridge too far' Read more: Mini hospital to take over old Debenhams shop in Essex Another 5.86 per cent of children were offered their parents’ second preference of school.

This means 96.19 per cent of parents have been offered their first or second preference. Councillor Tony Ball, Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability, said: “Starting school for the first time is a hugely important milestone in any child’s life.

I wish all children in Essex starting their academic journeys in September every success. We continue to invest in creating additional primary school capacity so that as many parents and carers as possible receive their preference of school for their child.” The figures only include areas governed by Essex County Council and don't include Southend or Thurrock which have independent unitary authorities.

Those who applied online will receive confirmation by email or by visiting the Essex County Council website. More information about school place planning in Essex is available here ..