Most parents in Merton have been offered their first choice of primary school, figures have confirmed.

Figures released by London Councils last week revealed Merton provided 81.45 per cent of parents with their first choice.

Merton fared better than neighbouring south London boroughs Wandsworth (73.06 per cent), Croydon (77.95 per cent), and Kingston-upon-Thames (78.61 per cent), but behind Lambeth (81.7 per cent) and Sutton (82.97 per cent).

A total of 2,636 children have been provided a place in Merton’s schools to start in September 2013 with 92 per cent being offered one of their top three preferences.

But Merton Council's cabinet member for education, Councillor Martin Whelton, says there is more work to do to tackle increasing primary school enrolment which has risen by 40 per cent since 2006.

He said: "We are not complacent and recognise that demand is forecast to rise further which will require additional forms of entry and investment in our schools."