Barking and Dagenham is simply the best in London on National Offer Day, as 94.44 per cent of parents in the borough have been awarded their first preference primary school.

Figures released by the Pan London Admissions Board show that Barking and Dagenham has once again smashed the London average of 87.38 per cent to give 2,956 pupils their first choice of primary schools.

The total percentage of parents securing an offer from one of their preferred schools in Barking and Dagenham was a massive 99.17 per cent, again beating the capital’s average of 97.85 per cent.

The deadline to apply for a primary school place was 15 January 2021, and data shows Barking and Dagenham Council received 3,130 applications.

Councillor Evelyn Carpenter, Cabinet Member for Educational Attainment and School Improvement, said: “Recent times have proved challenging for us all, but these terrific results should bring contentment to most of our families.

“Choosing a school is a big decision for any parent, so it’s pleasing to be able to offer the majority of our families one of their preferred choices.

“I am delighted to see us come out on top for all of London again and would like to thank the Schools Admissions team for their hard work.”

The deadline for parents to accept their places is Friday 30 April.