Tories: Figures reveal school choice myth

Shadow children's secretary Michael Gove says figures revealed by the Conservatives reflect the lack of good school places in England.

Statistics obtained under freedom of information rules show around 100,000 parents did not get their children into their first choice of secondary school last year.

Mr Gove points out the problem is at its worst in inner city areas, meaning "it is the poorest children who miss out".

"These figures show that for large numbers of parents the idea that they can choose a school for their children is a myth," he said.

"At the moment there aren't enough good school places to go round."

The Conservatives believe giving every parent the legal power to remove their child from a failing school and apply to a new academy will help the problem.

"This will give all parents a meaningful choice of school and make schools and teachers accountable to parents," Mr Gove added.