Newham has been ranked the best in London for secondary school offers

New figures show that 82 per cent of Newham pupils starting secondary school in September have been offered a place at their first choice school – the best figure in London.

Figures released by the Pan-London Co-ordinated Admissions Board show Newham at the head of the list followed by Havering on 81 per cent and Bexley on 78 per cent The lowest was the City of London on 40 per cent and Wandsworth on 53 per cent. The average across London was 66 per cent.

In total Newham received 3,963 applications for secondary school places – 321 more applications than last year. The figure of 82.37 per cent getting their first choice was up on last year where the figure was 79.93 per cent.

The percentage of children given one of the top three choices on their application form in 2012 was 95.34 per cent – up on last year’s figure of 93.46 per cent.

The small number of pupils who could not be offered places at any of their preferred schools were allocated alternative places at the school closest to their home which still had places available.

Cllr Quintin Peppiatt, executive member for children and young people, said: “We are delighted that so many children are getting to go to the schools where they and their parents want them to go. We have worked hard with the primary and scondary schools and parents to achieve this fantastic result.”

The Pan-London Co-ordinated Admissions Scheme started in 2005 with the aim of simplifying the application process for secondary school admissions and increasing the number of pupils who receive an offer from one of their preferred schools.

Previously, parents had to fill out separate application forms for each local authority which handled admissions for their chosen schools. Neither the offers, nor the dates on which the offers were made, were co-ordinated between authorities.

Now In London, parents fill in a single application form even if they are applying to schools in more than one borough. They put down up to six schools in order of preference and submit the form to the borough where they live.