Bristol is an enviable place in which to live and work, and, with its ever-increasing popularity, demand for school places has risen sharply. Top of the list of priorities for any relocating family is finding good school provision, so it will be welcome news that plans are now in place to create 1,331 new primary school places by September 2012.

Over the last three years, there has been a 15% rise in the number of children in reception classes at Bristol schools – not surprising, given its inviting living and working environment. Bristol is not the only city to experience an increase in its school population but this thriving centre of tourism and commerce has seen a particularly rapid increase. It is driven by rising birth rates; people moving into the city from within the UK and abroad; fewer families moving out of the city; and fewer families choosing places at independent schools owing to the recession.

Leader of Bristol City Council Councillor Barbara Janke said, "Bristol is an excellent place to live – more and more people, including families, are choosing to move and stay here. This is good news, creating a thriving city, with plenty of young people to enliven city life. However, it is important that we are able to offer the right infrastructure to support people living here. We are in close contact with government, to ensure they understand the scale of the challenge that Bristol is facing and that sufficient resources are in place to manage the situation effectively."

If you are relocating to Bristol, make sure you read our Smart Move Area Guide offering invaluable information on all the major topics, from housing, education and travel through to shopping and leisure activities.