There is no beating Barking and Dagenham when it comes to securing primary school places as 94.89 per cent of parents have been given their first preference.

The figures released by the Pan London Admissions Board show that Barking and Dagenham has once again smashed the London average of 85.54 per cent. 

The deadline to apply for a primary school place was 15 January and figures show Barking and Dagenham Council received 3270 applications. 

The number of parents securing an offer from a preferred school in Barking and Dagenham was 99.16 per cent and again beat the capital’s average of 97 per cent.

Councillor Evelyn Carpenter, Cabinet Member for Educational Attainment and School Improvement said: “Securing your preferred school place for your child is a massive moment for any parent so I am delighted that we have been able to do this for the majority of parents.

“The population of Barking and Dagenham continues to increase year on year, so it is pleasing to see that once again we have come out on top for all of London. I would like to personally thank the Schools Admissions staff for doing their best to meet the aspirations we have for all of our borough’s young people.” 

The deadline for parents to accept their places is Tuesday 30 April.