Record number of London children to miss out on first choice school
The number of children who will miss out on their first choice secondary school is set to hit a record high this year, according to a report from the Evening Standard.
Experts at the Good School Guide have predicted that 28,000 children in London starting secondary school in September will not get their top preference, adding to fears of a pupil place crisis in the capital.
The figure represents an increase of 1,000 pupils who will not get their first choice compared to 2015, and means children in London are the least likely in the country to get a place at their preferred school.
Susan Hamlyn, director of The Good Schools Guide’s Advice Service, said: “There needs to be a plan so that we have enough schools, enough places and enough teachers in every borough. A number of schools that were guaranteed to London for 2016 still haven’t opened their doors — some haven’t even found a site to build on.”
A London Councils spokeswoman said: “It is important to recognise that not all parents and pupils can be offered their first preference, because there is simply not an unlimited number of places in London’s schools.”
Read moreLatest News
20/04/2026 - 11:50
A creative careers programme which aims to inspire young people to explore careers across the creative industries has reached 210,000 young people since 2023.
20/04/2026 - 09:19
The Education Committee has published the government’s response to its report on improving the school estate and dealing with RAAC.
17/04/2026 - 10:24
The government is inviting EdTech companies and AI labs to develop AI tutoring tools, in collaboration with teachers, to ensure they support classroom practice.
17/04/2026 - 09:53
The government has rolled out new guidance and practical advice to help families get children ready for school
16/04/2026 - 12:03
Job adverts for secondary school teaching roles have dropped to their lowest level in nine years, raising fresh concerns about teacher recruitment in England.
