Islington Tribune - News: Fewer win place at first-choice school

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Islington Tribune - by TOM FOOT
Published: 7 March 2008

Fewer win place at first-choice school

THE policy of allowing parents to choose which secondary school children attend is not working in Islington, an education expert has warned.
The number of parents winning a place for their children at a first-choice school plunged from 68 per cent to 59 per cent, according to government figures released this week. It was the sharpest fall in London.
Schools campaigner Ken Muller said the system was creating “good” and “bad” schools in Islington.
“There are major problems with introducing the principles of the free market in the education system,” he added. “If parents think a school is better than another they will choose the one with the better record. I understand the distress it causes parents, but the solution is not choice. It is to make every school a great school.”
In 2005 parents were given the chance to apply for six schools in order of preference.
Schools minister John Knight said the majority of pupils got a place at a preferred school – most at their first choice.
“We know nearly all parents are satisfied with the administration process and most are happy with the education their children get,” he added.

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