Nine in Ten Ealing Families Offered First-choice Primary
One of London's highest rates for securing preferred school places
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April 24, 2026
Families across Ealing have received the results of this year’s primary school admissions – and the vast majority will see their children start school this September in the place they most hoped for. New figures show that 90.78% of applicants in the borough have been offered their first-choice primary school, placing Ealing comfortably above the London average of 88.39% and among the capital’s top-performing boroughs for securing preferred places.
The strong results mirror the borough’s performance in secondary admissions earlier this year, where Ealing also ranked in the top ten for first-choice offers.
For families, the outcome means that most children will begin their school journey close to home and alongside friends from their local community. The council says the high rate of first-choice offers helps give children a confident and positive beginning to their education.
Ealing’s schools continue to be recognised for supporting pupils both in and beyond the classroom – from early reading, writing and maths to science, sport and the arts – helping children discover their interests and develop at a pace that suits them.
Robert South, Ealing Council’s strategic director for children’s services, said the figures reflect the strength of education across the borough.
“Starting school is an important moment for families. Every day in the borough, children are learning new skills, gaining confidence and discovering what they’re capable of. We’re proud of education in our borough and the staff who support pupils at every stage of their learning.
“The London-wide admissions system aims to give as many families their first choice as possible, and we’re pleased that more than 90% of children will be starting school where their parents hoped they would. Even where first choices weren’t possible, families can be confident that high-quality education is available across the borough, with schools committed to helping every child settle in and thrive.”
Primary school places are allocated through the Pan-London Admissions Scheme, which matches each child to the highest-ranked school for which they meet the admissions criteria. Families who applied on time will now have received an email confirming their offer and must accept or decline the place by the deadline stated.
Waiting lists will continue to operate over the coming months, and further offers may be made as places become available. The council is encouraging parents to check the guidance on its website for next steps and further information.
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