DESPITE a record number of applications for Hillingdon secondary schools, latest figures show that 76 per cent of children are celebrating getting a place at their first preference, compared to 70 per cent for London as a whole.

Hillingdon has received 224 more applications than last year but more children (2,788) have been allocated one of their top-three choices than last year (2608).

Cllr David Simmonds, cabinet member for education and children’s services, said: “We are planning effectively for the increase in demand so that every child in the borough gets the standard of education they deserve.”

For more information about the post-allocation process, visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/schooladmissions.