Families in South Wales face postcode lottery for school places

Cardiff families saw strong primary offers but slightly more competition for secondary school places.

Transcript

00:00South Wales families saw a mixed result in this year's school admissions process.

00:06Around 88% of primary applicants in the city secured their first-choice school above the national average,

00:13but over 90 children received no offer for any of their listed options.

00:18Cardiff High turned away more than 200 applicants,

00:21highlighting how popular schools are having to make difficult cuts.

00:25Across the wider South Wales region, outcomes depend heavily on postcode, catchment and Welsh language preference.

00:32The contrast with regions like the northeast of England, where first-choice success exceeds 90%,

00:38shows how competitive urban areas like Cardiff have become.

00:42For families who missed out on top preferences, this can mean reassessing transport plans, peer groups and even language options.

00:49While many parents are pleased with their outcome,

00:52regional divides across Wales and beyond continue to shape the school choices available to each child.

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