Almost nine in ten children in Bracknell Forest were offered their first-choice primary school for September 2026, council data shows. The figure is 89 per cent - exactly the same proportion and number as last year, with 1,251 pupils getting their top choice in both 2025 and 2026.
There were 1,403 applications for primary places in 2026, one more than the 1,402 in 2025. Six per cent were offered their second preference and two per cent their third, and no on-time applicants were left without a place in either year.
Early years experts are urging parents not to feel pressured by the idea of "school readiness" as children move from nursery to reception.
"The term 'school readiness' can be confusing for parents. Children aren't expected to start school already knowing their timetables. Instead, it's about everyday independence - using the toilet by themselves, putting on a coat, following routines, and showing interest in the world around them," she said.
"Based on the data, some parents may feel pressure around 'school readiness,' but it's important to remember this isn't a fixed measure of success or failure - every child develops at their own pace, and emotional wellbeing, confidence, and curiosity are just as important as academic skills.
"School readiness is most effective when it is seen as a shared process between early years settings, families, and schools. Clear communication and consistent support across these environments help ensure children experience a positive and confident transition.
"At Busy Bees, we recognise that school readiness is not about a fixed checklist, but about helping children develop confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning."
Busy Bees suggests five simple ways parents can help: build independence with small tasks (coats, toileting), share stories to boost listening and language, talk and listen to grow vocabulary, practise turn-taking and talking about feelings, and keep learning playful around a child's interests.
Separate research from Kindred found many children still struggle with some of these skills: 37 per cent of 2025 reception classes were judged not "school ready", citing issues such as toileting, separation from parents, and eating and drinking independently.
Ted O'Neill, Local Democracy Reporter
