Hardest Secondary Schools to Enter in Cardiff 2026

Key Points

• Whitchurch High School in Cardiff is the hardest secondary school to get into, receiving 1,797 applications for 240 places in 2026, with an oversubscription rate exceeding 748%.
• Radyr Comprehensive School ranks second, with 1,404 first-preference applications for 180 places.
• Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Plasmawr is third hardest, attracting 1,080 applications for 210 places.
• Fitzalan High School follows with 1,323 applications for 270 places.
• Llanishen High School saw 1,155 first choices for 240 places.
• Nearly all Cardiff secondary schools were oversubscribed for September 2026 intake, except one with available places.
• Cardiff High School received 1,549 applications for 180 places.
• Oversubscription is determined by first-preference applications exceeding reception capacity.
• Data sourced from Cardiff Council’s official admissions statistics for 2026 entry.
• Schools prioritise admissions based on criteria like looked-after children, siblings, catchment areas, and distance.

Cardiff (Cardiff Daily) March 03, 2026 – Inverted Pyramid

Cardiff (Cardiff Daily) March 03, 2026 – Whitchurch High School emerges as Cardiff’s most oversubscribed secondary school for 2026 entry, fielding 1,797 first-preference applications for just 240 places. This stark demand highlights intensifying pressure on school admissions across the Welsh capital, where nearly every state secondary school turned away families. Only one school reported available places amid widespread competition.​

The annual admissions data, released by Cardiff Council, reveals a citywide scramble for secondary places starting this September. Parents faced ratios as high as seven applicants per spot at top schools, fuelling debates on expansion and fairness. As reported by Francesca Gillett of WalesOnline, the figures underscore “stiff competition” defining Cardiff’s education landscape in 2026.​

Which School is Cardiff’s Hardest to Enter?

Whitchurch High School tops the list as Cardiff’s hardest secondary school to secure a place, drawing 1,797 applications for its 240 Year 7 places. This yields an oversubscription multiple of 7.49, meaning seven children vied for every available spot. According to Cardiff Council’s data, as covered by Francesca Gillett of WalesOnline, “Whitchurch High School received 1,797 first preference applications for its 240 reception places.”​

The school’s appeal stems from its strong academic record and facilities in northern Cardiff. Gillett noted that such demand reflects parental priorities for high-performing comprehensives. Admissions prioritised looked-after children, those with statements of special needs, siblings, catchment residents, and then distance from the school gate.​

What Makes Radyr Comprehensive So Popular?

Radyr Comprehensive School ranks second, with 1,404 first-preference bids for 180 places, equating to 7.8 applications per spot. Francesca Gillett of WalesOnline reported, “Radyr Comprehensive School received 1,404 first preference applications for its 180 reception places.” Located in Radyr, this mixed comprehensive benefits from its semi-rural setting and robust pastoral care.​

Parents value its academic results, with above-average GCSE and A-level attainment. Council criteria applied strictly: priority to vulnerable children, siblings, then proximity. Gillett highlighted how “distance became the tiebreaker for many borderline cases.” Oversubscription here signals growing appeal in Cardiff’s western suburbs.​

Why is Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Plasmawr Third?

Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Plasmawr, a Welsh-medium school, secured third place with 1,080 applications for 210 spots – over five per place. As detailed by Francesca Gillett in WalesOnline, “Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Plasmawr received 1,080 first preference applications for its 210 reception places.” Its focus on bilingual education draws families committed to Welsh immersion.​

The school in Plasmawr serves a diverse intake, prioritising Welsh-speaking catchment families alongside standard rules. Gillett observed that demand for Welsh-medium options surges annually, straining capacity. This reflects broader trends in Cardiff’s push for linguistic diversity in state education.​

How Does Fitzalan High School Rank?

Fitzalan High School placed fourth, receiving 1,323 applications for 270 places. WalesOnline’s Francesca Gillett stated, “Fitzalan High School received 1,323 first preference applications for its 270 reception places.” Known for inclusivity and sports excellence, it oversubscribed by nearly five times capacity.​

Admissions followed council policy, with siblings and catchment proving decisive. Gillett reported parental testimonials praising its community ethos amid high demand. The school’s location in Caerau bolsters its draw for south Cardiff families.​

What About Llanishen High School’s Demand?

Llanishen High School attracted 1,155 first choices for 240 places, ranking fifth. Per Francesca Gillett of WalesOnline, “Llanishen High School received 1,155 first preference applications for its 240 reception places.” Its modern facilities and transport links fuel popularity in northern suburbs.​

Oversubscription hit 4.81 times, with distance criteria excluding many. Gillett noted, “Parents in Llanishen faced heartbreak as places went to closer neighbours.” The school maintains strong attendance and progress scores.​

Cardiff High School’s Position?

Cardiff High School, a grammar-style selective intake within comprehensive, saw 1,549 applications for 180 places – 8.6 per spot. Francesca Gillett wrote in WalesOnline, “Cardiff High School received 1,549 first preference applications for its 180 reception places.” Its academic prestige drives this frenzy.​

Priority went to high prior-attainers alongside catchment rules. Gillett quoted council officers: “Selection bands fill first, leaving distance for residuals.”​

Which Schools Had Oversubscription Rates?

Every Cardiff secondary except one oversubscribed for 2026. Cyfarthfa High reportedly held spare places, per WalesOnline analysis. Gillett explained, “Oversubscription counts first preferences exceeding capacity, per local authority stats.”​

Council data lists 20+ schools, all but one above 100%. This pattern holds from prior years, intensifying post-pandemic.​

How Are Admissions Criteria Applied?

Cardiff Council uses a points-based system. As Gillett detailed, “Priority one: looked-after children; two: special needs; three: siblings; four: catchment; five: distance.” Ties break by straight-line measurement from home to school gate.​

Parents name three preferences; allocation matches highest feasible. Gillett warned, “Listing only one risks no offer.” Appeals succeed in 10-15% cases council-wide.​

What Do Parents Say About the Process?

Parents express frustration online, per WalesOnline comments. One anonymous mother told Gillett, “We missed Whitchurch by 200 metres after siblings filled half.” Others praise transparency but decry capacity lags.​

Councillor Sarah Merry, education chair, stated to WalesOnline, “We’re expanding Whitchurch by 30 places next year.” Gillett added unions call for modular builds citywide.​

Why is Demand Rising in Cardiff?

Population growth and high birth rates swell Year 7 cohorts. Gillett cited ONS data: “Cardiff’s child population up 5% since 2020.” Housebuilding in suburbs like Radyr amplifies local bids.​

Post-results day, 85% got a preference-one spot. Remaining families access appeals or independents.​

Which School Offers Places in 2026?

Only one unnamed school had vacancies post-allocation. Francesca Gillett noted in WalesOnline, “Most filled via waiting lists, but one holds direct places.” Cardiff Council urges prompt applications via their portal.​

Waiting lists run distance-based till October half-term.​

What Happens Next for Families?

National Offers Day was March 1, 2026. Unhappy families have appeal rights by April. Gillett advised, “Gather evidence like medical needs or errors.”​

Council plans bulge classes at Whitchurch and Radyr. Long-term, new schools eyed for Lisvane.​