School admissions is fast becoming an annual crisis for thousands of households around the country - and the scale of this year's clash between parental choice and harsh reality has been spectacular, writes Lucy Ward
But one crucial element risks being forgotten: the effect on the children. Thousands of 10 and 11-year-olds are left with no idea which uniform they will be pulling on come September, not to mention the damaging stress that taints family life no matter how determined parents are to keep things in proportion.
One youngster, who has so far been allocated no school place at all never mind any of his five preferred choices, has just started blogging his experience. While a new promotional campaign in Mac Jamieson's home London borough runs "I love Hackney", the 10-year-old's web diary speaks for itself: Hackney Doesn't Love Me.
"I know that everyone can't get the school that they want but I had a lot of hope and I felt disappointed when I found I had no school to go to because most of my friends got the schools that they wanted," writes Mac. "If I had got in I would be among friends from my school and from other primary schools across Hackney."
Mac's first two school choices were the two nearest non-denominational comprehensives - including a new academy that will open in September in prefabricated buildings. He will continue blogging his parents' attempts to find him a place at a suitable school that does not require a lengthy commute.
What do you think?
