94 per cent of children due to start secondary school in London this September have been offered a place at one of their preferred schools - equivalent to 87,548 children.
88 per cent per cent of London pupils were offered a place at one of their top three choices of secondary school, a 2 per cent increase from last year, according to figures released on National Secondary School Offer Day by the Pan London Admissions Board.
68 per cent of children applying to London schools got into their first preference school, 2 per cent more than last year.
The number of applications made for secondary school places in London this year was 93,359, a 2 per cent decrease compared to last year.
Martin Pratt, spokesperson for the Pan London Admissions Board, said:
“It is vital that all children in London have access to a high-quality education and London boroughs are working with local schools to respond to demand across the capital for both mainstream school places and those for children with special education needs and disabilities (SEND).
“Today’s admissions figures show a 2 per cent increase in the proportion of children getting a place at their first choice or one of their top three schools, which is good news.
“In London, the Pan-London Admissions Scheme ensures that school places are distributed by local authorities in a transparent and impartial way, taking into account the number of places available at each school and eligibility criteria.
“I can reassure parents that there are sufficient places in London schools to meet overall demand. 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.”
The Pan London Admissions Scheme ensures that parents receive a school place offer for their child at the school which 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 and either the ParentComms app or text during the evening of Monday 2 March 2020.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
For more information and detail on London's secondary school admissions statistics, please download our FAQ document.
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.