Drive-thru coronavirus testing at Twickenham

NEARLY 90 per cent of pupils in Hillingdon were offered their top choice of primary school this year - the third highest rate in London.

The West London borough topped the rankings as 89.83 per cent of parents were able to secure their children’s places at their preferred school, following behind Newham (at 93.94 per cent) and Barking and Dagenham (91.17 per cent).

Elsewhere in West London, Ealing was able to offer 87.16 per cent of families their first preference, while Hounslow secured 83.97 per cent.

Hillingdon Council’s education boss, Susan O’Brien, said the authority has committed £35.7 million to its schools building and expansion programme for 2020/21.

She added: “Education is a priority for the council and for our families and we offer many ‘good’ and ‘outstanding’ rated schools throughout the borough. Our high quality educational facilities are giving young people the best start in life, ensuring that academic attainment for children and young people in Hillingdon remains very positive.”

Meanwhile Hounslow schools chief councillor Tom Bruce said work was being done to expand schools in the borough despite funding challenges and population growth.

While nearly 84 per cent of families received offers for their first preferred school, nearly 98 per cent of new pupils received a place at one of their six choices.

Cllr Bruce said: “The continuing demand for primary school places is at an all-time high and Hounslow’s schools are extremely popular due to the high standard of achievements for students of all abilities and backgrounds. It is really good news that we are be able to offer every child whose parent or carer applied on time a place. Given the ever-growing population and ongoing cuts to funding by central government, it is by no means easy.

“All of London’s schools are facing huge challenges to meet the increased pressure on places and here in Hounslow, we are working very hard to ensure we can give our children the very best start in life by offering them the opportunity to get the education they deserve.”