London has experienced a significant drop in primary school applications this year, driven by a declining birth rate and families relocating from the capital.
According to analysis from London Councils, published on National Primary Offer Day, a total of 80,658 applications were submitted for primary school places.
This marks a 3.5 per cent decrease compared to the previous year.
The umbrella group for local authorities projects a further reduction in reception places, estimating a fall equivalent to around 87 primary classes over the next four years.
Jon Abbey, chairman of the Pan-London Admissions Board, said: “Falling birth rates and the ongoing cost-of-living pressures facing London families, including high housing costs, have again contributed to a decrease in overall applications this year, a trend we expect to continue in the years ahead.”
Despite the overall decrease, six councils saw a slight increase in applications.
A majority of children in London got their first preference school (88.4%) – up by 0.5 percentage points compared with 2025.
Almost all (97%) were offered a place at one of their top three.
According to the figures from the Pan-London Admissions Board, children were most likely to get their first choice in Barking and Dagenham (95.3%), followed by Hillingdon (94.6%).
Getting a first preference was least likely in City of London (73.9%), but all children in the area who did not get their first preference received their second (26.1%).
Primary school offers are being sent out by email on Thursday.
London Councils found earlier this year that secondary school place applications were down 1.6% from 2025.
The falling birth rate, which has particularly affected the capital, has already seen several councils plan primary school closures or mergers.
The number of children under 16 in England is expected to fall by 6% over the next decade.
The Education Policy Institute found last year that nine of the 10 local authorities with the largest drops in primary pupils over the past five years were in London.
Antonia Jennings, chief executive at Centre for London, said the fall in primary school enrolment should “not be mistaken for a reduction in pressure on our schools”.
“Councils and school leaders are left trying to manage sharply uneven demand across the capital, where family needs changes rapidly year-on-year,” she added.
“Falling enrolment means less funding for schools. Ninety schools have closed or merged in the past five years.
“London faces a £45 million reduction in school funding over the next four years, and a quarter of schools are already in budget deficit. This means cuts to staff, specialist support and the curriculum.
“At the same time, the needs of London children are becoming more complex. More pupils are growing up in poverty, with limited access to food, living in overcrowded homes or temporary accommodation.
“This places increasing pressure on schools as education is interrupted and teachers plug the gaps left by stretched public services.”
