The investigation was started after Harrow Council in northwest London brought a case of fraud against Mrinal Patel, but dropped the action after receiving legal advice that it was unlikely to succeed.
Normally, local authorities just withdraw the offer of a school place when then they find parents have given false information, but Harrow is believed to be the first to have sought a criminal penalty.
Priority for admissions to state-funded schools in Britain is generally decided by how near children live to the school.
But pressure to get into popular schools is so great in some areas that some parents move house to be nearer or -- as Harrow contends in the latest case -- even lie about their address.
Would you lie to ensure that your child was allocated a place at your preferred school? Should parents be punished if it is found that they have cheated? Do you think this is Government interference gone too far? How can we ensure that the current system is fair for all?
Education needs putting right before you start prosecuting people for trying to avoid the rubbish.
Dishonestly obtaining money by giving wrong addresses.
Who's at fault?
MP's not parents.
Prosecute parents then prosecute MP's.
This is ridiculous, blaming the system. If a box says - enter your address, and the parent enters an invalid one, where is that an issue with the system? That is the parent, lying, bold faced. Disgraceful
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