Thousands Find Out Primary School Places But Did Your Child Get In?

Over 4,800 applications submitted for September 2025 reception places in Cornwall

Parents across Cornwall are finding out today, Wednesday 16th April, which primary school their child will be starting at this September – and for most, it’s good news.

Cornwall Council received 4,864 applications for reception places for September 2025. Of those, 4,658 children have been offered a place at their first preference school – that’s 95.76% of applicants.

While that figure is slightly down on last year’s 97.62%, it still sits comfortably above the national average of 93.2% recorded last year. The national average for 2025 has not yet been released.

Nearly every child gets a preferred place

The vast majority of children – 99.28% – were allocated a place at either their first, second or third preference school. That compares to 99.83% in 2024.

Eveleen Riordan, Service Director for Education and Children’s Community Health at Cornwall Council, welcomed the outcome.

“It’s brilliant that so many children and families have been offered their first preference primary school for this September,” Eveleen said.

“We have consistently offered a higher-than-average number of children their first preference school and this is all down to the hard work of our teams who work closely with schools across Cornwall. I would like to thank everyone who played a part this year.

“We do recognise that some families may be disappointed by the allocation for their child and there is an independent appeals process that can be followed.”

Families who wish to appeal their allocation can find more information on the Cornwall Council website: School place appeals process.