How London's falling birthrate is affecting applications for secondary school places

"London has seen a slight decline in secondary school applications this year, a trend directly linked to the capital's ongoing falling birth rate. Figures released on National Secondary Offer Day show 86,057 applications for places, a 1.6% decrease from last year's 87,512. This follows a 3.1% drop in 2025 compared to 2024, indicating a sustained downward trend."

"This decline in secondary applications reflects a broader demographic shift in the capital, where a rapidly falling birth rate has already prompted several councils to consider primary school closures or mergers. That means 4,862 children did not receive an offer for one of their preferred schools for 2026."

London experienced a 1.6% decrease in secondary school applications this year, with 86,057 applications compared to 87,512 last year, continuing a downward trend that saw a 3.1% drop in 2025. This decline directly correlates with London's falling birth rate, a demographic shift already prompting councils to consider primary school closures or mergers. Despite fewer overall applications, school placement success remained relatively stable: 70.5% of applicants received offers from their first-choice school, 89.6% received offers from top three preferences, and 94.3% secured at least one chosen school. However, 4,862 children did not receive offers from any preferred schools for 2026.

Read at www.independent.co.uk