98% of London kids receive offers from one of their preferred primary schools

Over 98% of children in London have been offered a place at one of their preferred primary schools by the Pan-London Admissions Board. 

Yesterday (Monday, April 17) was National Primary Offer Day and parents across Wandsworth learned which schools their children had been accepted to. 

The figures for the whole of London found that 98% of children in the capital were offered a place at one of their six preferred schools, of which 97% received an offer from one of their top three preferences.

The vast majority can attend their first choice school, with 88.5% admitted to their number one preference.

Cllr Ian Edwards, London Councils Executive Member for Children and Young People, said: “It is vital that all children in London have access to a high-quality education, and primary education is one of the most important first steps on this ladder. 

“We want to ensure the best possible future for children applying to mainstream schools and for pupils with special education needs and disabilities (SEND).  

“It is positive that once again the overwhelming majority of children have an offer from one of their preferred schools. Boroughs have worked diligently with schools to ensure there are the places needed to meet demand across the capital. 

“London boroughs are continuing to work with schools experiencing decreasing demand for school places to achieve good outcomes for young Londoners. 

“London still has the best performing schools in the country and it is essential we protect them in this difficult climate. 

“We remain keen to work with Government to respond to pressures surrounding primary school places and to support the growing demand for development of specialist SEND provision at a local level, ensuring that that all London pupils have the best start in life.” 

Primary school places in London have been decided by the Pan-London Admissions Board since 2011 and the scheme looks to make the process as simple and fair as possible for everyone in the capital. 

Jane McSherry, Spokesperson for the Pan-London Admissions Board and ALDCS Education Lead, said: “This year the admissions process has gone smoothly and over 85,000 parents will receive an offer of a preferred school place in the capital - with over 77,000 of those being for their first preference school. 

“Challenges such as falling birth rates and family migration from London have led to a continued decrease in demand for school places and resulted in a reduction in total applications this year. 

“Boroughs are supporting schools to deal with this challenge, meet the needs of our youngest residents and ensure school places continue to be available where there is demand. 

“Each London borough has an admissions team and we are ready to help and support parents with any queries.”