The hardest schools to get into in Hammersmith and Fulham
Secondary: 310 families put Lady Margaret School first in 2026 and 110 of them (36%) were offered a place.
Reception: 69 families put John Betts Primary School first in 2026 and 27 of them (39%) were offered a place.
Every state school in Hammersmith and Fulham with at least 20 first-choice applicants, hardest first. Of the families who put the school first on their application, the share who were offered a place there. Data: Department for Education.
Secondary schools (Year 7)
| # | School | Put it first | Of them, offered | Places |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lady Margaret School · London · faith | 310 | 110 (36%) | 118 |
| 2 | West London Free School · London | 240 | 108 (45%) | 130 |
| 3 | The Fulham Boys School · London · faith | 154 | 74 (48%) | 122 |
| 4 | The London Oratory School · London · faith | 226 | 109 (48%) | 157 |
| 5 | The Hurlingham Academy · London | 125 | 87 (70%) | 134 |
| 6 | Sacred Heart High School · London · faith | 199 | 143 (72%) | 195 |
| 7 | Hammersmith Academy · London | 102 | 84 (82%) | 135 |
| 8 | Phoenix Academy · London | 78 | 78 (100%) | 118 |
| 9 | Fulham Cross Girls' School and Language College · London | 44 | 44 (100%) | 94 |
| 10 | Ark Burlington Danes Academy · London · faith | 39 | 39 (100%) | 62 |
| 11 | Fulham Cross Academy · London | 31 | 31 (100%) | 92 |
Primary schools (Reception)
Getting into a school in Hammersmith and Fulham
What is the hardest school to get into in Hammersmith and Fulham?
For secondary places, 310 families put Lady Margaret School first in 2026 and 110 of them (36%) were offered a place. For Reception, 69 families put John Betts Primary School first and 27 of them (39%) were offered a place.
How many families in Hammersmith and Fulham get their first-choice school?
64.5% of families applying for a secondary place got their first preference, and 74.6% of those applying for Reception did (offers for September 2026).
Does putting a school first improve our chances?
Not at the other schools you name. Councils in England use an equal-preference system: every school you list is considered against its own admissions criteria, and if more than one could offer a place you get the one you ranked highest. So list schools in your genuine order of preference, and include at least one you are very likely to get.
What does "last distance offered" mean?
For schools that give places by distance, it is how far from the school the last child offered a place under that criterion lived. It changes every year with the number and location of applicants, so treat it as a guide, not a guarantee. We show it where Hammersmith and Fulham published it in its admissions booklet.