If you have been allocated a good state school place but decide instead

[Swedes]

to pay for Ptolemy to go to the independent with the lake. Do you think you should be able to auction off the good state school place to the highest bidder on Ebay or in Mumsnet local or something?

no

state school provision cannot be seen to be given to those would could afford it

surely it is just as unfair to do it that way as people lying about their address?

OK, then do you think Ptolemy's mummy should be able to give the place to someone of her choosing, so long as she doesn't profit from it?

Er no. Why on earth? The usual selection criteria should be applied to those children on the waiting list to determine which child will be allocated the place. It is Ptolemy's mother's priveledge to have a choice where she sends her child but once she has made her choice the other place is nothing to do with her. Likewise if she declined the private school place she would have no say in who they choose to fill it instead.

school places aren't commodities to be sold or traded - what an odd post!

Neither. You agonise loudly and publicly at the school gates (or cyber school gates ) to make sure that Darren and Kevin's mothers are fully aware of the day to day problems you have to cope with. They can then have Ptolemy's leftovers in September whilst you walk round the lake

Am assuming this is in jest.

We had a place at a local, good state primary. But we had already accepted a place for DD at a private school by the time it came through. We declined the position the very same day, opening up for whoever was next on the waiting list.

Ptolemy's mother would give the place to someone in need. And perhaps check in on the child once a year or so, like any good benefactor. And perhaps later, if the child was sufficiently clean, invite him for tea in the garden.