Figures obtained by a council show the number of parents being allocated one of their top two prefences has increased by four per cent since 2011, despite some being unhappy at missing out on places.

In council figures shown to the Guardian by Ian Bond, deputy leader of Redbridge's Lib Dem and Conservative council, this year's figures for primary offers show that 90 per cent recieved either their first or second preference school.

This is the same as last year's figures, and better than the 86 per cent and 87 per cent of 2011 and 2012 respectively. 

A total of five per cent of pupils were offered a place that was not one of their preferences this year. This was the same as last year and less than the seven per cent of 2011 and 2012.

Cllr Bond advised parents to appeal if they are unhappy with their allocated school.

He said: “It is impossible to give everyone their first choice places at primary schools. Unfortunately that is the way it is. At the moment we have only just got enough places so there will always be some parents who are left disappointed.

“I urge parents who are unhappy with their allocated school to speak to their local councillor for advice and appeal the decision.”

Some parents had missed out on all six of their choices and were allocated unsuitable schools, having to travel to up to 30 minutes to Barkingside, while also looking after young children..

Shameela Adam, 32, of Firs Estate, South Woodford, was allocated the Hindu Avanti Court Primary School in Barkingside for her five-year-old son Amaar, despite her Muslim beliefs.

Samira Attia, 30, of Draycote Road, Wanstead, only got places at Moss Green Primary School in Barkingside for her four-year-old twins after applying to both Nightingale and Snaresbrook Primary schools.