Children and families learn school places fate in Bromley and Bexley

By Lachlan Leeming, Local Democracy Reporter

A glimpse into life after the coronavirus pandemic has been provided to families of children across South-east London, with the announcement of primary school places on Thursday.

The results reveal that 85.7 per cent of applicants in Bromley will receive their first preference, while neighbours Bexley saw 90 per cent of students get their first pick.

In total, 99 per cent of Bexley students will begin their formal education at a school named on their application, while Bromley will have 98 per cent. Both boroughs are ahead of the London average of 97 per cent.

Senior councillors from both authorities welcomed the announcements and were positive about the re-launch of schools on the other side of the pandemic.

Bexley’s cabinet member for education, Cllr John Fuller, said: “In these unusual times it is great to hear some positive news about life outside of lockdown.

“Our schools admissions team have been working hard to make sure that they can get this news to local parents and carers on time.

“Looking at news from around the world, I hope that by the time these new primary students join their new school we will all be back to ‘business as usual’.

“I wish them all the best and hope they will have a great time learning at their new Bexley schools.”

His views were echoed by his Bromley counterpart, Peter Fortune, who said: “Despite the additional challenges brought about by Covid-19, we have been able to safely ensure that as many children as possible secured one of their preferred primary schools and I am pleased to see so many families get a favourable offer.”