Stephen Byers has solved the secondary school admissions problem

[RosaIsRed]

Start the applications process earlier so more popular schools can build extra classrooms

Is the man mad? How does he think this could possible work in practice? And if the government DID have the resources to put into popular schools at very short notice shouldn't it be putting them into bringing underperforming schools up to scratch, so parents didn't have to make these choices in the first place? Or have we lost sight of the principle that every school that educates the nation's children ought to be a good school?

I don't think the UK has ever put this principle into practice Rosa, It was just as bad when I was at school 12 years ago. I went to my local state school whether it was rubbish or not. And it really was rubish. 5 years down the drain.

The solution IMO is to put all efforts into making crap schools good, and let the good schools get on with it with far less interference and 'new' initiatives. Win win for all.

Great idea! Perhpas to save building costs they could use the empty classrooms in the sink schools that no-one will be going to?

I think that they should have a voucher scheme a bit like Sweden. In Sweden you can use your voucher to send your child to a school of your choice, ie. state or private provided the school meets minimum standards.

The parents can pick a curriculum to suit their child instead of the one size fits all national curriculum.

Bad schools go bankrupt. Those who want a relious school, steiner school or whaterver can have what they want.

Sweden has TRUE parental choice.