Problems can arise when popular schools are oversubscribed

But there was a marked decline in primary school appeals, bringing down the overall total for 2002-03.

There were 69,550 secondary school appeals lodged - a rise of 1.4% on the proportion in the previous year, the latest official figures show.

Of the 73% of those that went to an appeal panel, a third - 16,974 - were decided in parents' favour.

That compared with 16,218 in the previous year, a slightly bigger proportion.

In primary schools, 23,147 appeals were lodged against non-admission of children to their preferred school, down 5% on the proportion in the previous year.

Appeals went to a panel in 62% of cases, of which 4,822 went parents' way - 34% of the total, the same as in 2001-02.

Falling numbers

A drop in appeals was to be expected given that a fall in the number of school-age children means there are, in effect, more places available.

A total of 897,307 children were admitted to primary schools, at whatever age, compared with 942,578 the previous year.

So appeals accounted for just 2.6% of all admissions, down from 2.7%.

In secondary schools the total admissions figure was 694,861, compared with 700,864 in 2001-02.

Appeals were made in 10% of cases, up from 9.9%.

Comparable figures for previous years were not available, the National Statistics office said.

Local forums

The general secretary of the Secondary Heads Association, John Dunford, detected the growing influence of new local admissions forums in the statistics on appeals.

We need a single admissions system for all schools Liberal Democrat Phil Willis

The forums - made up of head teachers, local education authority officials, school governors and community representatives - are meant to smooth the admissions process in an area.

"Local admissions forums are beginning to create a more rational system and are informing parents better of the rules of the game," Dr Dunford said.

"When parents know the rules of the game, they are more likely to be successful.

"With greater knowledge of the system, parents are going for more realistic options."

A spokesperson for the Department for Education and Skills said: "Overall the number of appeals lodged has decreased over the last year which is welcome news.

"There may be a number of factors, including an indication that more parents are satisfied with the school they have been offered a place at."

Alternatives

The Conservative Party, in a developing policy, has said it will allow parents greater choice in sending their children to good schools - underpinned by raising standards in all schools over time.

Liberal Democrat spokesman Phil Willis said letting more schools have their own admission policies had led to chaos in many areas.

"Places should be allocated a year earlier allowing for parents to seek agreed alternatives. Giving families less than a month to appeal or make alternative arrangements is ludicrous.

"We need a single admissions system for all schools that receive 100% state funding - with places allocated on a formula agreed between schools, the LEA and parents."

The Commons education select committee has been investigating secondary school admissions in England. Its report is expected in the next few weeks.

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