Prosecuting school queue-jumpers
How big a crime is lying to try and get your child into a good school?
Plenty of parents have tried it by falsely claiming they live in the school’s catchment area or by suddenly getting religion but the worst that happens up till now is that they get found out and their child is turned away.
Now Harrow Council in London wants to go further and prosecute them. It had to withdraw a test case for fraud against the mother of a five-year-old it accused of lying about her address on the school application form but it wants new powers to enable it to take such parents to court.
“This is not a question of persecuting individuals,” said Council leader David Ashton. “We took the view we should prosecute, because we have to ensure there is a level playing field for all parents.”
Do you believe parents should be hauled before a court simply for wanting the best for their children?
