You report that Birmingham achieved its target for secondary admissions with almost nine out of 10 being awarded a place at one of their six choices: TES verdict, “Birmingham successfully places most pupils in schools of their choice” (TES, April 22). Meanwhile, you report in the same article that in London “up to 10,000 (sic) youngsters have been refused their chosen schools”: TES verdict, “Capital confusion over admissions”. In fact, in London more than 66,000 pupils have been offered places at one of their preferred schools. That represents about 89 per cent of the total number of pupils transferring to secondary school this year. Coincidentally that puts London’s performance - with its 33 local education authorities and 75,000 applicants - on a par with that of Birmingham. Does this indicate some TES confusion over admissions?

Dr Ian Birnbaum Chair, Pan-London Co-ordinated Admissions Board London borough of Sutton The Grove, Carshalton, Surrey