Secondary school admissions figures show increasing popularity of Lewisham schools

The number of applications jumped by 5.6% from last year, reflecting the growing popularity of the borough’s secondary schools. The figures were released on 1 March by the pan-London Admissions Board. It’s also the day when parents find out which secondary school their child will start in September 2019 and is commonly known as ‘National Offer Day’.

The figures also show that more Lewisham children are getting places at their preferred schools. Since last year:

• 7.59% more children were offered their first preference
• 7.42% more children were offered one of their top two preferences
• 8.81% more children were offered one of their top three preferences
• 8.75% more children were offered one of their six preferences.

Councillor Chris Barnham, Cabinet Member for School Performance, said: 'Improving secondary education in Lewisham is a top priority. We’ve been working hard with schools, parents and education partners to show that children can and do thrive and achieve academic success at Lewisham schools. The rise in applications to our schools reflects growing confidence in what our schools are doing and confirm we’re on the right track. We aren’t complacent however, and know there is still much to do and it’s heartening to see this early success reflected in the choices parents are making.

'I’d like to thank the schools admissions team who work tirelessly throughout the year to ensure the admissions process runs smoothly and that as many children as possible get places at the schools they choose.'

Every Lewisham child who needs a place at a secondary school in the borough has been offered one. There are some especially popular schools which affect the number of those who get one of their preferences, and 7.69% of children did not get one of their six preferences. They were allocated an alternative place at a Lewisham school with a vacancy closest to where they live. This figure has dropped by almost 20% from last year.