The overwhelming majority of children in the borough were offered their first-preference school ahead of starting reception class in September 2021.  

Despite the challenging backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, council officers have worked hard to ensure that families have been awarded their preferred place.  

A total of 89 per cent of children received their first preference school, an increase from 87.2 per cent in 2020. This is followed by 6.6 per cent being offered their second preference and 1.9 per cent their third. 

Our figures are above the London-wide average for first preference places, according to the Pan-London Admissions Scheme. 

Overall, 98.7 per cent of children were given a one to six preference offer. 

Councillor Matt Morrow, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “Despite the challenges of COVID-19, the vast majority of children will be going to a preferred primary school come September. We are proud that so many families will be happy with this news.  

“The first day of school is a tremendously important and exciting milestone. I wish all our young people enormous luck in September, and I am glad that so many will be starting their education at the school they wanted.” 

More information on our admissions process can be found here.