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Primary school starters likely to receive place at preferred school

Fahad Redha

April 20, 2026
3 min read

Primary school starters likely to receive place at preferred school

The vast majority of primary school starters have gotten a place at one of their preferred schools. Data published on National Primary Offer Day 2026 by the Pan-London Admissions Board has revealed that 98.3 of children set to start primary school have been offered a place at one of their preferred schools.

The vast majority, 88.4%, of primary school starters applying to a school in London managed to get a place in their first preference school. That’s a slight increase of 0.5% from last year. 97% of pupils in Lonon, or 78,228 children, were offered a place at one of the top three preferences of primary schools.

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“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,” Jon Abbey, Chair of the Pan-London Admissions Board, said. “Where families have not received their first preference, this reflects the fact that demand at certain schools continues to exceed supply.”

London saw a total of 80,658 applications, a 3.5% decrease compared with the previous year. Six boroughs however saw a small increase in applications. Several factors are contributing to this.

This includes a falling birth rate in the capital and a “severe shortage,” according to London Council, of affordable housing. This has prompted many families, including those with children who would be primary school starters, to move out of London and to an area with more affordable accommodation.

“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,” Abbey said,

Analysis from London Councils predicts a 2.5% decrease in the numbers of pupils in reception in the capital over the next four years, or 2,275 placements. That’s equivalent to a drop of approximately 87 primary classes over the period.

“We encourage parents to read their child’s offer carefully and to weigh their options before reaching a decision,” Abbey added. “Each London borough has a dedicated admissions team ready to help with any questions parents may have.”

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About Author

Fahad Redha

Fahad is the Content Editor at EyeOnLondon, overseeing the publication’s editorial output across news, culture, and lifestyle. With a background in journalism from the University of the Creative Arts, he brings a broad range of experience from local London reporting in Kensington & Chelsea, where he held roles including motoring, events, and health editor. At EyeOnLondon, Fahad plays a central role in shaping content and maintaining editorial standards. His work spans everything from daily news to feature coverage, with a particular strength in motoring and events. He also incorporates photography into his reporting, adding a visual layer to many of his stories. Fahad joined EyeOnLondon in February 2021.