Record numbers of children were offered their first choice of primary school across Waltham Forest and Redbridge.

More than 88 per cent of children were awarded places at their first choice of primary school in Redbridge this year, while in Waltham Forest, that figure stood at 92.4 per cent.

The figures, released this week were the “highest ever” for Redbridge, with both boroughs well about the London average.

Nearly 97 per cent of pupils in Redbridge and just over 98 per cent of children over the border in Waltham Forest will go to one of their parents’ top three primary school choices in September.

The data was released on April 16, National Primary School Offer Day, by the Pan London Admissions Board; the body with overall responsibility for the co-ordination of school admissions in London.

Overall, 98.05 per cent of applicants gained a place at one of their chosen primary schools.

72 children out of 3,698 applications were not offered one of their preferences.

Adrian Loades, Corporate Director of People at Redbridge Council, said: “Even though places at our primary schools are in high demand, I’m pleased we’ve been able to offer the highest ever number of pupils their first choice.

“However, we know that some pupils have not been given a school of their preference and we have a team on hand to help parents with the options available.”

According to the Telegraph, around 1,365 more children received places at their preferred school this year compared to 2017.

It is believed that demand for London school places may have lessened in part because European families have been leaving the capital since the Brexit vote in 2016.

David Kilgallon, Director of Learning at Waltham Forest Council, said: “I’m really pleased that we have been able to offer so many pupils a place at their preferred choice of school.

“It is a testament to the hard work of our school admissions and pupil place planning teams, who have put in an incredible effort to make this happen.

“We have fantastic schools in Waltham Forest which offer our young people superb support throughout their education, allowing them to make the most of their life chances.”

School places must be accepted by 30 April 2018.