Just over 90% of children in Ealing have been offered their first-choice primary school, according to new figures published on National Primary Offer Day.
Data from the Pan-London Admissions Board reveals 90.7% of pupils in the borough secured their top preference, placing Ealing above the London-wide average of 88.4%. The borough also performed better than neighbouring Brent (88.49%), Hounslow (89.29%) and Harrow (86.58%), and significantly ahead of Hammersmith and Fulham (74.62%), although it trailed Hillingdon’s 94.57%.
A further 5.51% of Ealing children were offered their second-choice school, while 1.45% received their third preference, meaning 97.66% secured one of their top three choices.
Across London, 98.3% of children were offered a place at one of their preferred schools, with 97% receiving one of their top three options.
The figures come as applications for primary places fell by 3.5% to 80,658 this year, reflecting wider demographic pressures including falling birth rates and families leaving the capital.
Jon Abbey, Chair of the Pan-London Admissions Board, said: “The Pan-London Admissions Scheme continues to ensure that school places across the capital are allocated openly and fairly, taking into account available places and eligibility criteria at each school.
“Where families have not received their first preference, this reflects the fact that demand at certain schools continues to exceed supply.
“Falling birth rates and the ongoing cost of living pressures facing London families, including high housing costs, have again contributed to a decrease in overall applications this year, a trend we expect to continue in the years ahead.
“We encourage parents to read their child’s offer carefully and to weigh their options before reaching a decision. Each London borough has a dedicated admissions team ready to help with any questions parents may have.”
