Tim Ross London Evening Standard
One in three London families failed to win a place at their first choice of secondary school this year, figures showed today.
More than 27,300 children missed out on their preferred school, including 5,000 who were left with no offers from any of their six choices.
The success rate for parents applying to secondary schools fell slightly this year amid increased competition for places.
Sue Fieldman, regional editor of the Good Schools Guide, said more parents were choosing a free state education as a result of the recession. She said: “The effect of the recession and people pulling out of private schools is a defining factor this year.
“It’s going to get worse before it gets better.”
Figures from London councils showed 65.7 per cent of the 79,780 children who applied were allocated their first choice state secondary school this year. Last year the proportion was 66.05 per cent.
Councils said families who have not been offered an alternative school will be advised of their options this week.
Margaret Morrissey, of campaign group Parents Outloud, said the application process was “a nightmare” for thousands of families.