These are the Sheffield primary schools that turned down the most children for reception places for 2026/2027.
Sheffield parents send their little ones back to school this week - or even packing their bags to go to Big School for the first time!
However, there will always be schools that are more in demand than others.
A number of Sheffield’s primary schools were oversubscribed - meaning they had to turn away pupils hoping to start reception there.
These are the latest figures revealing which Sheffield primary schools were the hardest to get a place at for September 2026, and how many they had to turn down.
See our gallery below for the most oversubscribed primary schools in Sheffield.
It reveals how the most oversubscribed school had nearly two children vying for every seat in class.
The vast majority of schools in Sheffield either had an oversubscription rate of 10 per cent or less, or did not have to turn away any pupils at all.
It is expected oversubscription rates into the future will continue to fall due to period of low birth rates and new pupils entering school over the next 10 years.
5. #6 - Watercliffe Meadow Community Primary School, S5
Watercliffe Meadow Community Primary School, in Boynton Road, turned down 15 pupils to fill its 60 available places, an oversubscription rate of 25 per cent. Watercliffe was rated Good at an Ofsted inspection in September 2025. "The school is warm and welcoming. Pupils enjoy attending and are happy. The school has high ambition for pupils’ achievements."
6. #5 - Prince Edward Primary School, S2
Prince Edward Primary School, in Queen Mary Road, turned down 16 children to fill its 60 available places, an oversubscription rate of 27 per cent. Ofsted wrote in 2024: "Pupils live and breathe the school’s nine values which include respect, determination and kindness."
7. #4 - Norton Free CofE Primary School, S8
Norton Free Church of England Primary School, in Matthews Lane, turned down 10 pupils to fill its 30 available places, an oversubscription rate of 33 per cent. Ofsted wrote in 2023: "Pupils feel happy and safe at Norton Free Church of England School, and enjoy school."
8. #3 - Arbourthorne Community Primary School, S2
Arbourthorne Community Primary School, in Matthews Lane, turned down 26 pupils to fill its 60 available places, an oversubscription rate of 43 per cent. Ofsted wrote in 2022: "Arbourthorne Community Primary is a place of joy, inclusivity and learning. Everyone is valued here."