A TOTAL of 364 pupils missed out on getting a place at their favourite school.

Out of 2,473 applicants across Haringey, only 2,109 were given their first choice.

Meanwhile 50 children did not receive any of their first six choices.

Catherine West, MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, now wants the government to prioritise on improving the number of school places.

The government recently announced all schools will become academies by 2020, but Ms West believes money should be spent on increasing the number of places available.

She said: “Labour has been raising the lack of school places as a problem for a number of years but sadly this Tory government is intent on concentrating its education policy around free schools which simply does not address the core issue concerning school places.

“We need more capital funding for councils so they can expand to meet the needs of local families.”

Michael Murphy-Pyle, a department for education spokesperson, said 95.9 per cent of parents in England received an offer at one of their top three preferred primary schools last year.

Mr Murphy-Pyle also explained turning all schools into academies would allow teachers to have more say in decisions. 

He said: “Our White Paper reforms will ensure we continue to spread excellence everywhere by putting control in the hands of the teachers and school leaders who know their pupils best, alongside new measures to more swiftly tackle failing and coasting schools.

“As well as this we are backing schemes like Teach First and the National Teaching Service to get great teachers where they are most needed.”

For those who missed out on their chosen place, there is a chance to appeal by emailing schooladmissions@haringey.gov.uk no later than April 12.

Did your child miss out on a school place? Get in touch: rachel.russell@london.newsquest.co.uk