Parents anger at school choices

A redeveloped primary school in north Bristol is being billed as a solution to overcapacity.

Some parents complain they are being denied places at their first choice of school, Sefton Park Infants.

Ella Makin's daughter is due to start in September: "Sefton Park is close and we have been given a place at a school more 1.6 miles away."

The council says the school is due to be revamped and this will help address parents' concerns.

In 2003/2004, 87% of parents got their first choice of primary school for their children Councillor Jos Clarke

The council expects to consult later this year on relocating Sefton Park Junior School onto the Brunel College site, and expanding Sefton Park Infant School - which has a waiting list of 23 - into the Junior School building.

If successful, the new schools could be in place by 2007.

Councillor Jos Clarke, executive member for children's services, said: "This problem is not typical across the city.

"In 2003/2004, 87% of parents got their first choice of primary school for their children.

"These problems are located in a very specific area where there is a huge density of young families."

Parents can put down three schools for their child on an application form submitted a year before children start.

The council says if these choices are not met, an alternative place is offered within two miles of the home address if possible.

Parents have a right of appeal to an independent panel against the decision to refuse a place.