THE shortfall of school places in the district is set to be discussed at a meeting between the schools minister and local councils thanks to MP Anne Main. The St Albans MP secured the meeting during a parliamentary debate on the situation in the country a

THE shortfall of school places in the district is set to be discussed at a meeting between the schools minister and local councils thanks to MP Anne Main.

The St Albans MP secured the meeting during a parliamentary debate on the situation in the country as a whole yesterday afternoon (Wednesday).

Mrs Main has attended numerous meetings with frustrated parents who have yet to secure their child a primary or secondary school of choice.

During the debate with the parliamentary under-secretary of state for schools and learners, Sarah McCarthy-Fry, Mrs Main said: "In my area, some parents still do not know what will happen. The continuing interest rules are causing deep disquiet. People are keeping their options open, having been allocated perhaps a third-choice school, in the hope that they will move up the ranks. Other parents have no school place whatsoever for their child. I hope that the minister will deal with some of those issues."

Upon leaving the chamber, she said: "I think I put across forcefully the perverse consequences the current system has caused in our city. In recent weeks, I have had lengthy meetings, correspondence and conversations with parents on this issue and I know how disappointed many local parents are."

She added: "I am grateful to the minister for agreeing to this meeting and I hope we will be able to find a way forward for local families.