article_snippet: Competition for places is getting fiercer in many areas which have seen population increases fuelled partly by immigration.
article_snippet: Experts said the crisis over places which has affected primary schools for several years is now transferring to secondary schools.
article_snippet: However, efforts to expand schools in metropolitan areas where demand is most acute have been slowed by the high costs of creating new buildings.
article_snippet: Many children living in big cities will have to go to Many children living in big cities second choice .
article_snippet: Helen Jenner, chairman of the Pan London Admissions Board, said: ‘Demand for places is growing, as we are beginning to see the pressure on primary schools transfer to secondary.