AS part of National Primary Offer Day, 98% of children due to start primary school this September have been offered one of their top three choices for schools in London.

Primary schools in the Capital received 90,807 applications in total this year which is a 7% decrease compared to last year.

The data comes from the figures published on National Primary Offer Day 2021 by the Pan London Admissions Board, the body with overall responsibility for co-ordinating school admissions in the capital.

Many families are likely to have missed the application deadline as a result of the turmoil caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and they will need to make a late application.

Some families have also moved out of urban areas as a result of a change in circumstances and work patterns.

Another factor which could impact the reduction of primary school applications are a decrease in birth rates, which is a national trend, as well as a London one.

This year, 87% of the total number of London applicants - or 79,343 children - secured a place at their first preference school, a 2% increase compared to last year.

Overall, 88,852 London children due to start primary school this September received an offer of a school place at one of their preferred schools - 98% of the total number of applicants.

Martin Pratt, spokesperson for the Pan London Admissions Board and Executive Director, Supporting People at Camden Council, said:

"Starting primary school for the first time is an important milestone for every child.

"This year the admissions process has gone smoothly and nearly 89,000 parents will receive an offer of a preferred school place in the Capital - with 79,000 of those being for their first preference school.

"93% of London's schools are rated good or outstanding by Ofsted, making it highly likely that children attending school here will get an excellent education.

"The significant reduction in total applications is due to a range of reasons, including short and long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Boroughs are supporting schools to deal with this challenge and ensure school places continue to be available where there is

demand.

"Clearly it is important that councils have the powers and flexibility to meet the needs of our youngest residents.

"Each London borough has an admissions team and we are ready to help parents if they have any queries."