Crackdown on school place 'fraud'

Mon Nov 2 2009 16:48:43

Tougher action against the thousands of "thieving" parents who lie to get their children into popular schools has been demanded.

Chief Schools Adjudicator Dr Ian Craig says mums and dads who make misleading applications are denying other children of their "rightful place".

Dr Craig has published the results of an inquiry, ordered by Children's Secretary Ed Balls, into the scale of the problem.

Under current rules, parents have "nothing to lose" by lying, as the worst that can happen is they will have the school place withdrawn, he said.

The inquiry also says that "additional sanctions" are needed, "probably through the courts", suggesting parents could face criminal proceedings.

Dr Craig said that a survey of 123 local authorities had revealed that action had been taken against around 1,100 parents who made dishonest applications in the last year.

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