Birmingham City Council has confirmed another strong year for families seeking primary school places across the city following its Primary National Offer Day figures.
The latest data shows that almost every Birmingham child (99.02%) has been offered one of their preferred primary schools, with over nine in ten (92.07%) securing their first choice, which is an improvement on last year’s already high level.
In total, 12,123 Birmingham children applied for a primary school place for September 2026. The majority of families applied online, with 99.12% digital applications, continuing the trend towards a smoother and more accessible admissions process.
Key highlights for Birmingham families
- 99.02% of Birmingham children were offered one of their three preferences.
- 92.07% received their first‑preference primary school, up from 91.69% in 2025.
- 529 children were offered a school outside Birmingham, reflecting continued parental choice across local authority boundaries.
These results demonstrate a well‑managed admissions process and strong collaboration between the Council, schools and partners, helping families secure places that best meet their needs.
What this means for children
Being offered a preferred primary school helps children settle quickly, build friendships and begin their education in a familiar, supportive environment. High first‑choice offer rates also reduce uncertainty for families and enable schools to plan effectively for the new academic year.
The figures underline Birmingham’s commitment to supporting parental preference wherever possible and putting children’s wellbeing and early educational success at the heart of decision‑making.
Demand for Birmingham schools remains strong
Birmingham primary schools continue to attract interest from families outside the city:
- 431 children living in other local authorities applied for a Birmingham school.
- 55.22% of these children were offered one of their Birmingham preferences, an increase of nearly 3% compared to last year.
- First‑preference offers for out‑of‑area applicants rose to 50.35%.
James Thomas, Interim Executive Director of Children & Families at Birmingham City Council, said: “This is really positive news for Birmingham families. Over 92% of children getting their first‑preference primary school shows a system that is working well and putting children first. Starting school is a huge milestone, and knowing your child has a place at the school you hoped for makes that transition so much more reassuring.
“These strong results reflect a well‑run admissions process and the growing confidence families have in Birmingham’s schools. It’s a clear example of how good planning, strong partnerships and effective communication can deliver real benefits for children and parents.”
