Disputes over school admissions are showing a steep increase, as parents compete to find the best places for their children.

The number of appeals made against admissions decisions in primary and secondary schools has risen by 22% in the past two years, according to government statistics.

The newly-released figures - for the school year 1997-98 - show 77,000 appeals, an increase of 6% on the previous year, which itself was a substantial increase on the previous year, when 62,900 appeals had been recorded.

Primary schools are under increasing pressure for places because of limits on class sizes

In response, the School Standards Minister, Estelle Morris, has promised that parents will have clearer information about admissions rules for schools and local authorities - with the requirement for authorities to produce an explanatory booklet.

There will also be an independent appeals panel to adjudicate where parents believe their complaint has not received a fair hearing.

Where schools have far more applicants than places, there are often arguments over why children are rejected or accepted and how rules have been interpreted.

This competition has been heightened by the publication of league tables, identifying the most and least successful schools in an area and putting pressure on places in those seen as offering children the greatest chance to succeed.

In primary schools, the setting of a maximum limit for the first three years - as part of the class-size reduction campaign - has also increased pressure on the most popular schools.

"It is important that we introduce greater transparency and openness for parents into what can be a very difficult decision," said Estelle Morris.

"That is why from September this year, the admission appeal panels will for the first time be totally independent of admissions authorities, ensuring that parents' views are not seen as of secondary importance."

But the minister accepted that there would continue to be disputes and disappointments over admissions. "It is always going to be difficult to offer every parent their first choice of school - and no government has succeeded in doing this."