The school gate can become the centre of gossip and networking

The school gate has become a social centre for parents, where they meet, scheme, boast and flirt, says research.

According to a survey commissioned by car maker Vauxhall, dropping off the children at school can become a high-pressure social event for parents.

While some parents use the school run to show off about their children's extra-curricular activities, other parents use the school gates for their own extra-curricular activities - with parents admitting to flirting with other parents and teachers.

School gate politics Pushy parents are unpopular Over-dressed parents irritate others 19% parents feel under pressure to organise more activities for children 3% parents say they have flirted with parents or teachers 7% parents have not had time to give children breakfast 5% say they have driven children to school in pyjamas A mother claimed to send her child to bed in his uniform to save time the next morning

The Schoolgate Politics survey also suggests that late-running parents can hate the school run, leaving them feeling inadequate and scruffy compared to their better-organised counterparts.

The survey has identified four types of school gate mothers, ranging from the networkers, the no-hopers and the pushy parents determined to get everything they can for their children.

"Scatty Sandra" is caricatured as always "fighting a losing battle with time", arriving at the last minute having dressed in a hurry, with younger children still in their pyjamas.

Fashion victim

In contrast, "Flirty Fiona" uses the school gate as a social opportunity, dressing to impress and chatting up the fathers. This type of parent can become unpopular, with the survey finding hostility towards parents who are over-dressed or wearing too much make-up.

There were also accusations against "mothers who care more about fashion than their kids".

"Pushy Pauline" is the parent who makes sure that their children are involved in every extra-curricular activity available. This high-powered parent brings a business-like attitude to their dealings with the school.

But this does not always impress other parents, who do not like the parents who always seem to be pushing their children to the front of every queue.

"Serious Sue" is a more sympathetic figure, worried about her own children's education, but still ready to help others at the school. She is also a fallible, ordinary parent, who is unlikely to have time to dress up to drop off the children.

This parent also strikes a balance between supporting her children and making time for herself.

The survey was based on research involving 2,000 mothers with school-age children.