More than 95 per cent of students have secured a place at their preferred primary school, bettering last year’s admissions.

North Somerset Council has this week revealed it has been able to place 98.7 per cent of pupils in their preferred school, beating last year’s 93.1 per cent.

Flax Bourton Primary School, pictured, doubled its admission numbers from 15 to 30 to cope with the increased demand in the area, but was still over-subscribed.

Flax Bourton headteacher Jane Bennett said the school was ‘keen to increase’ its places to meet the demand.

She added: “I think the most important thing is creating places in a local school where you are part of the community which many parents support.

“We cannot believe how fast this year has gone and look forward to welcoming the new students in September.”

Golden Valley, Northleaze, Portishead, Tickenham and Trinity primary schools were also over-subscribed for places while Crockerne and Dundry primary schools met their place allocation.

All other schools still have places available.

There were 2,209 applications for North Somerset reception places, which is down from the 2,345 recorded last year.

The council was, however, able to reduce the number of children who did not secure one of their three preferences, with just 30 applicants missing out on their top three – although all of them were offered a place at their next nearest school with a space.

Last year there were 35 applicants who were without a spot at one of their chosen schools.

Councillor Jan Barber, executive member for children and young people’s services, said: “This year 93.8 per cent of applicants received a place at their preferred primary school.

“The number of applicants receiving their first-choice school was also higher than last year.

“In addition 98.6 per cent of applicants received one of their three preferences. This is a fantastic achievement and well above the national average (of 97.7 per cent).

“We would like to thank our school admissions team for their hard work over the last three months in processing 2,209 North Somerset applications.”

For information on individual schools, visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/my-services