Ninety-four per cent of parents in Havering have been offered one of their top three choice secondary schools.

Seventy-nine per cent of pupils were given their first preference school – the highest in London.

Councillor Robert Benham, cabinet member for children and learning, said: “I’m very proud to say that Havering has out-performed every other London borough. This demonstrates that Havering Council continues to deliver high standards by working closely with parents and schools, providing appropriate information to make informed and realistic choices.

“The council prides itself on communicating with parents at the start of the admissions process to ensure that a clear and consistent message is delivered. This information assists parents to express realistic preferences when submitting their application for a secondary school place.

“We have also worked with a number of the local secondary schools to deliver additional places as part of the first phase of the Council’s secondary expansion programme, which has meant that parents have a greater chance of getting the school of their choice.”