In Lambeth, for September 2026 entry, 80.64 per cent of applicants (1,713) received their first-choice school and 9.18 per cent (195) their second choice. In total 96.42 per cent of applicants received a preference school.
Parents and carers were asked to list up to six schools of their choice in order of preference. They applied through their home borough for any state school anywhere in England. Lambeth is part of the pan-London system, which links with the other 32 London authorities and 5 surrounding Councils. This collaboration enables the process to work smoothly, as most preferences made by Lambeth residents are within London.
Lambeth received 2,124 applications for primary school places this year.
Andrew Carter, Corporate Director for Children, Families and Education, said:
“National Offer Day confirms primary school offers for families across Lambeth. Parents and carers can now respond to their offer and will find information about next steps, waiting lists and appeals in their notifications. We are always incredibly proud of all the amazing work that our schools do.
“It’s exciting that new children will be starting in September. Some will discover their future role models and make new friends for life. We are delighted to welcome them and their families.”
London primary schools received 85,336 applications in total this year, a 2.2 per cent decrease compared to last year, according to figures published by the Pan London Admissions Board, the body with overall responsibility for co-ordinating school admissions in the capital.
Across London as a whole, 87.9% of children due to start primary school this September have been offered a place at their first preference school.
NOTES
The Pan London Admissions Board has overall responsibility for the school application co-ordination scheme in the capital. Membership includes representatives of the Association of London Directors of Children’s Services, the London Inter Authority Admissions Group and the London Grid for Learning.
- London primary schools received 85,336 applications in total this year, a 2.2 per cent decrease compared to last year.
- Overall, 83,581 London children due to start primary school this September received an offer of a school place at one of their preferred schools – 97.9 per cent of the total number of applicants.
- 9 per cent of the total number of London applicants secured a place at their first preference school.
- 6 per cent of the total number of London applicants – 80,706 children – were offered a place at one of their top three preferred schools.
- A full briefing and borough breakdown of figures from the Pan London Admissions Board is available on the London Councils Website.
