Parents are being warned to brace themselves for the worst ever scramble for places at Bradford's most popular schools next year.

With three year groups entering secondary schools in September 2000, teachers are predicting heartache and education bosses are expecting a record number of appeals.

The district's most popular schools, like Bingley Grammar and Hanson, already have more applications than places to fill.

At Bingley, some 3,400 parents flocked to the school's three open events vying for a total of 810 places. The school has already given out 1100 admission forms.

Head teacher John Patterson said there was bound to be disappointment. "There is always some heartache and we regret it deeply, but it is inevitable."

Most schools operate a pecking order when it comes to places, with siblings of existing pupils in pole position, pupils from first choice feeder schools next and distance from the school the third factor.

At Hanson, where last year there were 640 applications for 350 places, head teacher Tony Thorn said more than 2,000 people had attended open evenings.

Only parents who put Hanson down as a first choice would stand a chance of getting in.

"The bottom line is that unless you put us first, you won't get in and it's as simple as that. It's cold comfort but we have no choice," he said.

However, one mum, who lives in Thackley, on the border of the Hanson catchment area, said her daughter had no older siblings at the school and was not at one of the main feeder primaries.

"It's a great worry. I don't think she will get into Hanson. I don't want her to go to a church-run school and I don't want her to go to Carlton Bolling," said the woman, who asked not to be named.

"It's supposed to be the age of parental choice, but I don't feel I have any choices."

Dennis Williams, Education Assistant Director, said officers were considering establishing more appeals panels at different locations to cope with the expected surge in demand.

"We are obviously expecting to receive more appeals from parents because children from three year groups, instead of the usual one, will be applying for places at secondary schools."

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