School admissions breaches to be investigated

Revelations that some state schools are breaching admissions laws by taking money from parents and interviewing prospective pupils will be investigated by the government.

An inquiry has been launched into school admission practices, with any schools breaching admission laws likely to be forced to change their procedures, the BBC reports.

The detailed investigation, headed by schools adjudicator Phillip Hunter, comes after a number of schools in Manchester, Northampton and Barnet were found to be contravening the admissions framework.

Ed Balls, children's secretary, revealed that action was important to ensure that admissions were fair on pupils and that parents hoping for high teaching standards were not exploited.

"We are acting now to make sure all children have fair access to schools. I know all the major faith groups are committed to stamping out practices which could penalise low-income families or increase social segregation," he told the broadcaster.

"We've made it clear that it is unacceptable not to comply with basic admissions law and we will work with every local authority and faith body to make sure this happens," Mr Balls added.

The investigation will run until July.