The number of primary school applications refused by Cardiff Council has risen this year, with 94 refusals for September 2024, up from 64 in 2023. Despite the increase, this year’s figures are still significantly lower than the 200 refusals seen in 2022.

During the application process, Cardiff Council encourages parents to list multiple school preferences. According to recent data, the school with the highest number of preferences was Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna in Canton, receiving 94 applications but only refusing four, as it offered 90 places.

The school with the highest number of refusals was Rhydypenau Primary School in Cyncoed, which denied 29 out of 60 applicants. Another notable example was Ysgol Mynydd Bychan in Gabalfa, which turned away 12 applicants. Overall, 70 primary schools in Cardiff still have available places.

Parents affected by refusals have until April 30 to confirm acceptance of their offered places or to submit an appeal against the decisions.

A spokesperson from Cardiff Council stated, “We strive to make the school application process as straightforward and clear as possible to ensure fairness for all families.” The council also noted that 99.6% of applications were submitted online, and 98.7% of children received one of their preferred school choices.

With 1,182 primary school places still open city-wide, Cardiff Council advises parents to use all five of their allotted preferences to increase their chances of securing a satisfactory placement. In cases where applications are late or preferences are not met, children are placed on a waiting list, and families are encouraged to consider alternative schools with available spots.

Here’s an overview of the most oversubscribed primary schools in Cardiff and the number of applications they had to refuse:

• Kitchener Primary School: 9 refusals, 60 places offered.
• Lakeside Primary School: 5 refusals, 60 places offered.
• Marlborough Primary School: 9 refusals, 60 places offered.
• Millbank Primary School: 9 refusals, 30 places offered.
• Pencaerau Primary School: 8 refusals, 30 places offered.
• Pontprennau Primary School: 1 refusal, 60 places offered.
• Rhydypenau Primary School: 29 refusals, 60 places offered.
• Ysgol Gymraeg Nant Caerau: 9 refusals, 30 places offered.
• Ysgol Cymraeg Treganna: 4 refusals, 90 places offered.
• Ysgol Mynydd Bychan: 12 refusals, 30 places offered.

These statistics highlight the competitive nature of school admissions in Cardiff and underscore the need for careful planning and consideration by parents during the application process.