Dorset children have some of the best access to primary schools for the next academic year in England, according to new research.

The figures, from education software specialist The Access Group, reveal which areas have the highest and lowest volume of pupils entering primary school per area. 

The figure for each location was calculated by taking the number of children set to attend primary school in 2023/24, and comparing it to the number of primary schools per local authority. 

Dorset offers the fifth best access to primary school places, with 2,952 children entering each of the region’s 179 schools next year. This equates to roughly 16 per school.

Rutland, in the East Midlands, provided the best access in England, with North Yorkshire and Cumbria completing the top three.

Slough, in Berkshire, proved to be the most squeezed location, with only 38 schools within the local authority area and 2,340 children moving up to primary education.

Jane Gibson, product manager at The Access Group, said: "Admissions is a stressful time for parents as your child’s school can have a big impact on their future.

"Even on a smaller scale, if you fail to get into your first-choice school, there’s a risk of being separated from friends, or you might add on extra travel time to get your child to the school gates every morning.

“Schools also often ‘hold their breath’ at this time of year too. Pupil numbers can affect their funding, which in turn can lead to difficult decisions regarding staffing levels, budget allocation and more."

Applications for primary school admission for 2023/24 entry close on Sunday, January 15.

For the full list of where schools in the UK are the most squeezed, including Ofsted-rated Outstanding schools, visit: https://www.theaccessgroup.com/en-gb/education/resources/where-has-the-most-competition-for-primary-school-admissions/