3 weeks Ago
It is a day of joy for the majority of Bolton parents whose children have been accepted into their first choice primary school. Thousands of children find out which primary school they will attend today, April 16 on what is termed National Offer Day . This year more children in Bolton have been accepted into their first choice than in the last two years - although fewer pupils were vying for places this year.
Bolton Council statistics show that, of 3567 offers, 3181 pupils were offered their first choice in primary , totalling 89.2 per cent. Over 97 per cent overall were given one of their three top choices.
A total of 249 children got their second preference, seven per cent, 56 got their third preference, 1.6 per cent, and 81 got an alternative offer, 2.3 per cent - all are rounded to one decimal place.
Read more: Parents find out which high school their child will attend as high demand for places Read more: The primary school praised for its ‘impeccable role models’ Read more: Talented young artists find themselves in the frame This is compared to last year, when, of 3771 offers, 3290 children were offered their first choice, totalling 87.2 per cent. In 2024, 266 got their second preference, 7.
1 per cent, 86 got their third preference, 2.3 per cent, and 129 got an alternative offer, 3.4 per cent.
In 2023, of 3691 children, 3286 got their first offer, 89 per cent. Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Cllr Martin Donaghy, said: “We are delighted that over 97 per cent of children in Bolton have been offered a place at one of their preferred primary schools, an increase compared to last year. “As always, every effort has been made to find an appropriate place for everyone.
Almost all alternative offers made are for schools within a mile of the child’s home. “Bolton is lucky to have so many excellent primary schools, with dedicated and hardworking staff who will be looking forward to welcoming new pupils to the classroom in September.”.
