Lambeth council rejects two-thirds of school deferral requests for summer-born children

A Freedom of Information request by the Lambeth LibDems has revealed that Lambeth Council turns down more than two-thirds of requests from parents seeking to delay school entry for summer-born children — one of the highest rejection rates in the country.

With the school term just weeks away, Lambeth Liberal Democrats are urging the Labour-run council to reconsider its rigid approach and support families trying to make the best decision for their children.

While government guidance encourages councils to approve deferral requests where it is in the child’s best interests, Lambeth’s refusal rate stands in stark contrast to dozens of other local authorities, many of which approve all or most applications.

Campaigners have described the national picture as a “postcode lottery,” with Lambeth among the least supportive.

Councillor Donna Harris, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Lambeth Council, said:

“These figures highlight a real failure of leadership. Families in Lambeth deserve the same flexibility and support as those in neighbouring boroughs.

Parents know what’s right for their children — they shouldn’t be forced to follow a one-size-fits-all policy just because Lambeth refuses to listen.”

“The new school year is around the corner. Labour must act now to fix this process and show they are willing to trust parents and to prioritise children’s wellbeing.”

Councillor Matthew Bryant, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Children and Young People, added:

“We need an urgent review of Lambeth’s school admissions policy to make sure that it reflects the latest Department for Education guidance.

Every family should be treated fairly and consistently — not penalised based on their postcode.”