Two primary schools in Colchester have been listed as the most competitive in the county, according to recent admission statistics.

Kendall Church of England Primary School and Hamilton Primary School are third and sixth in a list of the hardest Essex primary schools for children to get into.

School places for children born between September 1 2017 and August 31 2018 are currently open for applications until January 15.

Councillor Michael Lilley, who represents Labour for the Old Heath and the Hythe council ward, praised Kendall Primary School and its headteacher, Clare French.

He said: “Kendall Primary School is a really good school and it’s very forward thinking.
“There’s a lot of land around the Kendall Primary School so it would be nice for it to be able to expand – but that is a future plan.”

Meanwhile, Councillor Pam Cox, a Labour councillor for New Town and Christchurch, said she hoped pupils would have access to schools rated as highly as Hamilton Primary School.

“It’s great to see one of our schools do so well,” she said.

“I hope that children in other schools in the borough can have access to other equally impressive schools in the future.”

Gazette: Top ten – Hamilton Primary Schools is in the top ten most competitive primary schools in EssexTop ten – Hamilton Primary Schools is in the top ten most competitive primary schools in Essex

When asked for comment from the Gazette regarding the competition for places at Hamilton Primary School, a spokesman said that Essex County Council controls the admission criteria.

He said: “Hamilton Primary School is a very popular school, but like all maintained schools in Essex, our admissions criteria are controlled by Essex County Council.

“It is unfortunate that we are not able to provide a place to all those children that apply to our school, but we are very lucky to have many excellent schools in our local area allowing families to have an alternative preference.”

The cabinet member for education excellence, councillor Tony Ball, urged parents to get their applications in as soon as possible.

He said: “Starting school for the first time is an exciting milestone in a child’s life so it’s important to get the application process right.

“It is vital parents apply on time and use their four preferences to ensure their child gets the best possible chance of a place at a preferred school.”