Over three quarters of pupils offered first choice of secondary school

More than three quarters of pupils have been offered their first choice of school across all three areas. (credit: PickPik)

Offers of secondary school places have been made to pupils today across Havering, Barking and Dagenham, and Thurrock.

In all three boroughs, more than three quarters of pupils have been offered their first choice of school for starting this September.

Havering came out as the top London borough, offering over 80 per cent of pupils their first preference.

This compares to a London-wide average of 66.63 per cent.

Meanwhile, over 93 per cent of children, due to start secondary school this September have been offered a place at one of their top three preferred schools in the borough.

Councillor Robert Benham, cabinet member for education, children and families, said: “Our investment and the brilliant work of our secondary schools has made sure, once again, that more parents in Havering have secured their first choice place for their children than anywhere else in London.

“With nine out of ten pupils being offered a top three choice place, today’s data is great news for our borough.

Cllr Benham also said Havering Council will also be investing £33 million into more early years, primary and secondary school places in coming years. 

Barking and Dagenham also exceeded London’s average, with figures showing 79.60 per cent of 10 and 11-year-olds being offered their first choice.

Overall in the borough, 97 per cent of applicants have been offered one of their preferences compared with the London average of 93 per cent. 

“I am delighted to see that such a large proportion of our young people will attend their preferred secondary school in September,” said Cllr Evelyn Carpenter, cabinet member for educational attainment and school improvement. 

“In these challenging times, it’s pleasing to be able to bring happiness to lots of children and their parents.

“Once again, we have performed incredibly well compared to the rest of London; I would like to personally thank the School Admissions staff for their hard work.”

In Thurrock, more than 92 per cent of pupils have been offered one of their top three school preferences. This is an increase from 88.4 per cent last year.

Portfolio holder for education, Cllr Andrew Jefferies, said: “Through our investment in school places across the borough we have been able to make sure as many children as possible are able to attend one of their preferred secondary school choices, and indeed 5 per cent more pupils have been offered their first choice this year.

“I know it has been an exceptionally challenging last year in primary school for our young people and I would like to wish them all the very best as they make their transition from primary to secondary school where they will continue to develop and thrive.”

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