Statement on allocating school places by lottery

28 February 2007

Commenting on plans to allocate some secondary school places in Brighton by lottery, Alison Johnston, Principal Professional Officer (Education) with the Professional Association of Teachers (PAT) said: "PAT is not in favour of allocating school places by lottery.

"Such a system would break the continuity between local primary and secondary schools and prevent many children from going to the same school as their siblings or friends, forcing families into managing complex arrangements for their children's secondary education.

"A lottery takes away parental choice.

"If all schools were good local schools with sufficient places, parents would not be placed in this position."