The adjudicator said drawing lots was unusual, but acceptable

The decision, by the Office of the Schools Adjudicator, applies to admissions at St Bernadette's Primary, in Brighton, from September 2005.

Adjudicator Robert Lanwarne said even though drawing lots is unusual, it was acceptable in the circumstances.

Lots will be drawn for places at the school in the event of all else being equal, he said.

He noted that governors of the school, which is in Preston Road, Withdean, had preferred an option to introduce a "distance-based criterion", and urged them to explore and consult on this for the next admission round.

Lots will be drawn under the scrutiny of an independent education authority admissions officer.