Data published on National Secondary Offer Day 2025 (Monday 3 March) by the Pan-London Admissions Board reveals 94.8 per cent of children due to start secondary school in London this September have been offered a place at one of their preferred schools.
The total number of applications made for secondary school places in London this year was 87,512, a decrease of 3.1 per cent compared to last year. However, several boroughs saw a slight increase in applications.
Application numbers are affected by several factors, including the falling birth rate across London. A recent report by London Councils predicts a 2.9 percent drop in demand for secondary school places over the next four years. The forecast decrease of pupils entering Year 7 translates to 2,646 places, roughly equivalent to 100 classes.
London Councils’ Executive Member for Children and Young People, Cllr Ian Edwards, said: “We are pleased that the vast majority of London’s children have received offers from one of their preferred schools.
“With falling pupil numbers affecting school resources, boroughs have worked closely with their local schools to ensure there are enough places to meet demand.
“London remains the best-performing region at GCSE level, with 96 per cent of schools rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted. Families can be confident that their child will receive a high-quality education in the capital.”
