00:02Fewer families are applying for primary school places in London this year, with new figures
00:07showing a continued drop in demand.
00:10Data from London councils shows just over 80,000 applications were made, down 3.5% on
00:17last year.
00:17The fall is being linked to lower birth rates and families moving out of the capital due
00:22to rising living costs.
00:23Despite that, most children are still getting into their preferred schools.
00:27More than 88% secured their first choice, with almost all offered one of their top three.
00:34But education leaders warn falling pupil numbers could still mean funding pressures, staff cuts
00:40and further school closures ahead.
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