Eighty-four per cent of children in Lewisham were offered their first-choice primary school on Thursday (April 16), one per cent below the London average. 

There was an increase of 0.4 per cent of children getting their first choice compared to last year.  

The newly released figures show that more than 90 per cent were offered their first or second choice, while just under 3.5 per cent did not get into a preferred school.  

Lewisham received 3,529 applications for primary school places this year, with 3,326 children being offered a place at one of their top three preferences. 

2.78 per cent got their third preference, 1.22 per cent got their fourth preference, 0.74 per cent got their fifth, while 0.34 per cent got their sixth.   

Councillor Chris Barnham, cabinet member for school performance and children’s services, said: “Although this is a worrying and stressful time for the whole country, it’s important not to lose sight of our children’s future.  

“We cannot yet be sure when schools will get back to normal, but when they do it will be an exciting time for children starting Reception.  

“I’m pleased to see more Lewisham children offered their first preference of primary school, and I’m confident that our schools can offer all our children a great education.” 

Across London, 97 per cent of children due to start primary school this September were offered a place at one of their preferred schools.  

London primary schools received 97,353 applications in total this year, a 0.78 per cent increase compared to last year.