126 children set to join Year 7 this September are without a secondary school place across the borough, nearly double last year's figure of 68.

Cllr Penny Frost, Chair of Richmond Council's Education and Children's Services Committee, said: "I know that this will be an anxious time for those children and their families who are yet to receive an offer."

She has reassured parents that the council "know from experience that sufficient places will become available to be re-offered to those on the waiting-lists," with parents being contacted from 2 April onwards.

87% of applicants have been offered one of their top three preferences, although only 65% have been offered their first choice.

This is compared to last year's figure of 68%.

"The number of unplaced children is a reminder of the need to ensure that there are enough permanent school places in the borough," says Cllr Frost.

The council hopes that the long-awaited Livingstone Academy in Mortlake will help ease the borough's demand for education.

However the six-form entry school is still awaiting planning permission.

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Livingstone Academy is set to open later this decade according to the councillor.