More than 80 per cent of children in the borough received their first primary school choice for this September, figures have revealed.

The statistics given by all London councils show that 85.82 per cent of children in the borough will be going to their first choice, the sixth highest of all 32 boroughs and above the national average of 80.74 per cent.

But figures also showed that 2.3 per cent of families were unable to get a place at any of their six choices.

Pressure on school places has been growing in the borough with several primary schools, including George Spicer in Southbury Road and Highfield School in Winchmore Hill, set for expansion.

The council hopes an extra 2,100 school spaces can be provided during the next two years.

Councillor Ayfer Orhan, cabinet member for education, said: “We are absolutely thrilled by this news but we must make sure that we do not get complacent and continue to push for the best.

“We know that by 2015 there will be a shortage in secondary school spaces and that is another area we must focus on. We are hopeful that more than 2,000 primary school places will be made this September.”