Two-thirds of parents disagree with school expansion policy

23 August 2011 1 min read Melodie Michel Education

Nearly two-thirds of parents disagree with the government's proposal to allow popular schools to expand at the expense of weaker ones, arguing expansion should be based on location rather than popularity.

The annual British Social Attitudes survey has revealed that 60 per cent of parents agree that children should be sent to the nearest state school.

In addition, two-thirds of respondents believe priority should be given to pupils living closest to the school when allocating places.

Dr Sonia Exley of the London School of Economics, who led the research, said: "These findings imply support for the principle of the nearest school, and concerns about the extent to which current inequalities between state schools compromise educational standards."

The Department for Education (DfE) published its draft admissions code in May for consultation, which set out plans to allow popular schools to expand and limit the role of local authorities in allocating places.

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