Nearly two thirds of borough youngsters got their first choice secondary school place when letters went out this week, despite many being vastly over- subscribed.

Richmond Council announced 64 per cent of 11-year-olds entering secondary schools this September will be given their family's first preference. The recently introduced pan-London admission system requires parents to express preferences for secondary schools both inside and beyond their home borough, raising the likelihood of over-subscription.

Three of the borough's eight schools received more than 750 applications apiece for the 200 to 225 places they provide, while another had more than 500.

Parents who have not been offered a first preference have been told places will become available in the months ahead as some turn down offers.

Education minister Councillor Malcolm Eady said it was good so many children had secured their first choice school.

"Admissions procedures in the capital are very challenging," he continued. "The council's admissions staff work extremely hard to place as many pupils as possible in their favoured school. We are committed to improving standards in secondary education across the borough.

"For example, we are investing heavily in the rebuild of Teddington School and negotiations are continuing to transform three other schools through the academies programme."