Families across Rotherham have been notified about which primary school their child has been offered a place for the 2025-2026 academic year.
National Offer Day for Primary School places was on Wednesday 16 April 2025, and is the day when parents and carers of children starting Primary School or moving up from Infants to Juniors learn which school they will be attending from September onwards.
Data shows that the majority of Rotherham children will be starting the new academic year in September at a school of preference.
The total number of places offered to start Reception in September 2025 in Rotherham is 2,646 with 96.1% of children having been offered a place at their first preferred school. In total, 99.1% have been offered one of their three preferred schools.
For applications received for children to attend Year 3 in a Junior School in September 2025, 100% have been offered a place at a preferred Junior School.
Rotherham continues to perform above the national average. Nationwide, in 2024/25, 93.2%% of children were offered their first preference primary school place, with 98.8% offered one of their preferred schools (Department for Education statistics).
Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services, Cllr Victoria Cusworth, said: “Starting a new school can be a daunting process for many students, however securing their preferred choice can help to alleviate many fears pupils have when starting a new school and ultimately allow them to excel in their studies. I am proud to once again see Rotherham continue to buck the national average with 99.1% of pupils across the borough being offered a place at one of their preferred schools.
“Education is a priority for parents across the borough who want to ensure that their child has access to the best levels of education available. Rotherham has excellent schools which are committed to giving children the best possible start and getting their preferred school choice, is the first important step in their education journey.”
For the small percentage of Rotherham children who could not be accommodated at one of their preferred schools, all have been made an offer of a place at either their catchment area school, if a place was available, or the next nearest school with a place available.
Any parents whose child has not been offered a place at their preferred school, have the right of appeal against the refusal of a place, with all cases heard by an independent appeals panel for a final legally binding decision.
The Council also maintains a waiting list until 31 December 2025 and will work closely with families affected to ensure that they are supported throughout the process.
Further information can be found on the Rotherham Council website.