97.9% of children due to start primary school in London this September have been offered a place at one of their preferred schools, data published on National Primary Offer Day 2025 by the Pan-London Admissions Board reveals.
87.9% of children applying to London schools got into their first preference school, a slight decrease of 1.2 percentage points from last year. 96.6% of London pupils – 80,706 children – were offered a place at one of their top three preferences of primary school.
The total number of applications made for primary school places in London this year was 83,581, a decrease of 2.1% compared to last year. However, some boroughs saw a slight increase in applications.
Application numbers are affected by several factors, including London’s falling birth rate and the severe shortage of affordable housing prompting families to leave the capital. Analysis by London Councils forecasts a decrease of 3.6% in reception pupil numbers in London over the next four years. This translates to 3,195 places – roughly equivalent to a drop of 117 reception classes.
Cllr Ian Edwards, London Councils’ Executive Member for Children and Young People, said:
“Boroughs know that primary offer day brings very important news to young Londoners and their families. It is great to see the vast majority of children in the capital receive offers from one of their preferred primary schools.
“Overall decreases in pupil numbers can pose a challenge to schools’ resources. However, boroughs will continue working closely with schools to meet local needs and help families make the most of the high-quality educational opportunities available in the capital.”
Jon Abbey, Chair of the Pan-London Admissions Board, said:
“The Pan-London Admissions Scheme means school places in the capital are distributed in an open and fair way, taking into account the number of places available and eligibility criteria at each school. Where parents and pupils have not been offered their first preference it is because, in some schools, demand outstrips supply.
“Overall, analysis suggests that 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.
“We advise parents to read the details of their child’s offer carefully and consider their options fully before making a decision. Please be aware that each London borough has an admissions team and staff who are very happy to assist if parents have any queries.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- The Pan-London Admissions Scheme ensures that children receive an offer at the school that is highest in their list of preferences for which they are eligible under the admissions criteria. In London, offers will be sent out by email during the evening of Wednesday 16 April 2025.
- The Pan-London Admissions Board has overall responsibility for the school application co-ordination scheme in the capital. Membership includes representatives of the Association of London Directors of Children’s Services, the London Inter Authority Admissions Group, and the London Grid for Learning.