More than 325,000 families unhappy with school, say Lib Dems

30 October 2009 1 min read Lauren Higgs Education

Almost half a million parents have appealed against the offer of a school place for their child in the past decade, according to research by the Liberal Democrats.

Of the 490,000 appeals lodged since 1999, only a third were successful, the party claimed, which means more than 325,000 families were left dissatisfied with their child's school.

David Laws, Liberal Democrat spokesman for education, described the figures as "a damning indictment of Labour's failure to raise school standards".

He said: "Every year, tens of thousands of parents are left disappointed because their child can't get into the school of their choice."

He warned that the problem is particularly bad in some parts of the country, such as London, because of rising pupil numbers and a lack of good schools.

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