North London borough where almost all pupils got their first choice of school

The overwhelming majority of infant and primary-aged pupils in one North London borough were offered one of their top three preferred schools, the council has revealed. The number of applicants for school places in the borough rose again for the third consecutive year, with almost 85 per cent getting into their first choice.

Children across the UK entering reception year received news of their school places this week, with parents able to apply for a place in up to three schools. Brent schools received 3,398 on-time applications for children to begin reception in September 2024, 69 more than last year, and 135 more than 2022.

In total, 94.67 per cent of Brent pupils were offered one of their top three preferences, with 84.14 percent being offered their first preference school. Reception places were offered to 3,310 children in Brent schools, compared to 3,213 last year, and 3,183 in 2022. However, 11.80 per cent of pupils were offered a reception school place outside of the borough.

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As always, competition is fiercest for places in those schools that have been rated as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. At the time of publication, Brent has a total of five primary and two schools in the borough that have been awarded the top mark.

Brent’s Outstanding Primary Schools

Wykeham Park Primary School - Last inspected in 2023

St Robert Southwell RC Primary School - Last inspected in 2019

Mount Stewart Junior School - Last Inspected in 2012

East Lane Primary School - Last inspected in 2019

St Joseph's Roman Catholic Primary School - Last inspected in 2024

Brent’s Outstanding Infant Schools

Our Lady of Grace RC Infant and Nursery School - Last inspected in 2023

Convent of Jesus and Mary RC Infant School - Last inspected in 2023

Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools, Cllr Gwen Grahl, said: “It’s fantastic to see a growing number of children wanting to start their school lives in Brent. 97.5 percent of children attend schools in Brent that are Ofsted rated as good or outstanding.”

She added: “We will continue to support our schools and families to give Brent’s children and young people the best start in life.”

The second round of offers, when late applications will be processed, will take place by the week ending 10 May 2023. As a number of primary schools in Brent still have vacancies, the council has said that many late applicants are ‘still likely to receive a preference school offer’.

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