Havering among best performing boroughs for first-preference secondary school offers

Across the capital, 94 per cent of children set to start secondary school in September have been offered a place at one of their preferred schools, the Pan London Admissions Board said. Almost 70pc of those got their first preference. 

The local authority in which the highest percentage of children received their first preference offer was Barking and Dagenham, with 81.67pc, just edging out the City of London’s 81.25pc. 

Camden had the third-highest percentage, with 79.73pc, following which came Havering, where 78.88pc of children got their top choice. 

London’s admissions system, called the Pan London Admissions Scheme, enables parents to select six schools in order of preference for their child(ren). The application is then considered separately for each school, to decide on whether a place can be offered. 

Jon Abbey, chair of the Pan-London Admissions board, said: “Today’s admissions figures show a small increase in the proportion of children getting a place at their first choice or one of their preferred schools, showing admission figures have remained relatively stable. 

“Parents should be reassured that there are sufficient places in London schools to meet the overall demand for pupil spaces. The scheme ensures that parents receive an offer for the school which is highest in their list of preferences for which they are eligible under the admissions criteria. 

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“With the density of the population in London, it is a huge task for the admissions team to take into account both the number of places available at each school and the eligibility criteria to ensure the best outcome for London’s children. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for all their work in ensuring the process of allocating school places to London’s children continues to go smoothly. 

“We advise parents to read the details of their child’s offer carefully and consider their options fully before making a decision. Each London borough has an admissions team and staff are happy to help if they have any queries.” 

Cllr Ian Edwards, London Councils executive member for children and young people, added it is “positive that once again the overwhelming majority of children have an offer from one of their preferred schools”. B

He said: “Boroughs have worked diligently with schools to ensure there are sufficient places to meet the high demand for school places across the capital.”