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Primary School Admissions 2023: over 95% of pupils secure first preference

School classroom with light colour desks and dark blue chairs with artwork on the desks

The following outcomes are reported for Sheffield Local Authority based on the position at the national allocation date of 17 April 2023

  • First Preferences met                                       95.34%          (5587)
  • Second Preferences met                                  3.21%           (188)
  • Third preferences met                                      0.53%           (31)
  • No preferences met                                          0.92%           (54)

First preferences are higher than in 2022.  Overall, 99.08 % of pupils were allocated one of their 3 preferences which is slightly higher than the 98.47 offered one of their preferred schools in 2022 representing a continuing positive picture.

In comparison the figures for 2022 were as follows:

  • First Preferences met                                       92.98%          (5508)
  • Second Preferences met                                  4.14%           (245)
  • Third preferences met                                      1.35%           (80)
  • No preferences met                                          1.53%           (91)

Appeals

Parents of pupils refused admission to any of their preferred schools have the right to appeal against the refusal to an independent appeal panel. Further information will be sent to parents about the appeal procedure. Appeals are normally held in June and July and parents will be advised of the appeal procedures in their notification.

The Local Authority holds waiting lists for pupils refused admission to a school that they ranked higher than that which was allocated. Parents should be aware there is no guarantee of obtaining a school place from the waiting list but to bear in mind that there is always movement between March and September.  The waiting list will come into operation from 19 April and will be maintained until July 2023.

Help and Advice

The Admissions Team is extremely experienced and available to provide advice and guidance about how to appeal, waiting list positions and other schools with places available. 

The Team can be contacted on 0114 273 5766 or at ed-admissions@sheffield.gov.uk

Alternatively further information as available at

https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/home/schools-childcare/apply-school-place