Two-thirds of Brent children win a place at first choice secondary school

Almost two thirds of children in the borough were given a place at their first choice secondary school

According to figures released by Brent Council, 2,185 children which equates to 63.5 per cent were given their preferred school on Tuesday.

There were a total of 3,441 applicants and all were offered a place at a school in the borough.

The news comes as town hall bosses have warned that children could be left without school places if councils are not given more powers to deal with increasing demand.

The Local Government Association has issued a fresh call for authorities to be handed the ability to open new secondary schools, or force academies - which are not under council control - to expand, arguing that without these powers, councils will not be able to meet their legal duty to ensure every child has a school place.

The Government said it has pumped £5billion into creating half a million new places over the last parliament and has committed a further £7b over the next six years.

Cllr Ruth Moher, Brent Council’s lead member for children and young people, said: “The rising school-age population means we are facing challenges in providing enough school places at secondary level over the next few years.

“However, parents should be reassured that we will do all we can to meet that demand and ensure all of Brent’s children have the high-quality places they deserve.’