London's independent schools full to bursting

Availability of spaces for younger children in London's independent schools is currently extremely limited.

Despite fears of recession and the talk of belt-tightening, relocating families are finding it harder to secure slots in private schools. This is most felt in the early years, Reception through to Year 2 (ages 4 to 7).

This is focused not on central London but also popular areas for relocating families, such as Hampstead, Richmond and Wimbledon.

The state sector is struggling to provide much slack in the system. The better state schools in London tend to be full with waiting lists, and there is such pressure on space that the Government is earmarking a large chunk of cash to help provide more school spaces.

Relocating families will need to think flexibly about where they should live and also consider what back-up strategies to employ to pin down school places for their children.