More than 99 per cent of families in Bath and North East Somerset have been offered one of their overall preferences for primary school places for the third year running.

Figures released by Bath and North East Somerset Council also show that more than 97 per cent of children got their first preference, up from 9 per cent last year.

The total number of applications received from B&NES residents for the 2024/25 Reception year was 1,646.

Of those, 1,598 received an offer for their first preference school, 33 pupils were offered their second preference and three pupils offered their third preference.

A total of 12 were not offered places at any of their preferences but were offered a place at their next nearest school with capacity.

All B&NES pupils who made an on-time application were offered a place.

Councillor Paul May, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “Choosing the right first school for your child is a huge step and can be a stressful time, so it’s excellent news that the vast majority of families have once again been offered their first preference. We’re delighted that all those families, and all our new pupils, can look forward to starting school with confidence.”