Parents in Bracknell Forest will soon start applying for secondary school places for September 2027, with demand staying high across the borough.
Council figures show the areas seven secondary schools got 1,304 first-choice applications for September 2026 entry, and 87% of pupils secured their preferred school.
Some schools were much more popular. Ranelagh School had 240 first-choice applications for 174 places, while nearby Edgbarrow received 286 applications for 228 places.
Many families look beyond the borough. Around 250 Bracknell pupils are expected to travel to Charters School in Sunningdale for 2026/27, and schools such as Edgbarrow, The Holt, St Crispin's and Bohunt Wokingham also attract local applicants.
Ofsted reports are a key comparison tool. Ranelagh School and The Brakenhale School currently hold Outstanding ratings after inspections in 2024. At Ranelagh inspectors judged all assessed areas, including education quality, behaviour, leadership and sixth form provision, as Outstanding. The Brakenhale School achieved Outstanding in May 2024, up from Good.
Other recent ratings include Garth Hill College (Good in 2019, up from requires improvement in 2017), Kings Academy Binfield (Good in 2022) and Kings Academy Easthampstead Park (met the expected standard in February 2026).
Parents are advised to list several preferences and check admissions criteria. Oversubscription rules can include catchment areas, sibling links, faith-based criteria and distance. Schools hold open evenings and tours in the autumn term.
Experts say consider exam results, pastoral support, extracurriculars and travel arrangements alongside Ofsted ratings when choosing where to apply.
Katie French, Local Democracy Reporter
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