98 per cent of children due to start primary school in
London this September have been offered a place at one of their preferred
schools, figures published by the Pan London Admissions Board this week have revealed.
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.
London
primary schools received 87,277 applications in total this year, a 2.67 per
cent decrease compared to last year.
London Councils Executive Member for Children and Young People, Cllr Ian Edwards, said: “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.”