Over three quarters of young people in Barking and Dagenham will attend their first preference secondary school from September this year.

Figures released today show that out of 3,409 applications, 2,784 (81.67%) of 10 and 11-year-olds have been offered their first preference, far exceeding the London average of 69.78% and outperforming every other borough in the capital.

This is the second consecutive year the borough has come out top in London.

Councillor Elizabeth Kangethe, Cabinet Member for Educational Attainment and School Improvement, said: 

“I am very pleased that Barking and Dagenham is, once again, offering most of our young people a place in their first preference secondary school.

“To see the satisfaction of young people and their parents as they prepare for this great next step in their education in one of their preferred choices is truly rewarding, and I couldn’t be more proud.

“I would like to thank all School Admissions staff for their hard work.”

For those who missed out on their first preference, Barking and Dagenham also performed above the London-wide average for top three preferences. 94% of applicants in the borough received an offer on a school in their top three, compared to 89% London-wide. 

Overall, 96% of applicants in the borough have been offered one of their preferences compared with the London average of 94%.