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AIBU

Cheating the System

(61 Posts)
janeainsworth Wed 25-Apr-18 16:09:53

I agree with lemon that the full circumstances aren’t known and to make a specific complaint about a particular parent or grandparent is not only unwise but smacks of the lynch mob mentality.
However, I do think there are grounds for complaining about the system in general and seeking clarification from the local authority that they are diligent in checking claims of residence before awarding places, perhaps through a Freedom of Information request.

lemongrove Wed 25-Apr-18 16:02:12

It could be that the child will be going to the Grandparents house every day after school because the parents are working.While not exactly ‘legit’ this would make sense for the child, journey time etc.

Luckygirl Wed 25-Apr-18 14:37:12

The system would not be "cheatable" if there were not such a discrepancy between the quality of schools. Everyone would be happy to send their child to the local school and would not be placed in this difficult situation.

I doubt these parents will get away with their attempt, as it is the work of a moment for the council to check in the census or council tax registers to see who is registered as living at an address.

Bridgeit Wed 25-Apr-18 14:23:20

But surely that’s the problem ,folks are happy to cheat the system for themselves & theirs
(what ever that may be) but are the first to complain if someone else does it. I really don’t understand the schooling system any more & what a shame that they are not all of a deseriable level .

winterwhite Wed 25-Apr-18 14:22:17

Agree with all those who say that the system is unsatisfactory. The admission application forms could/should require confirmation that the child resides at the address stated. Easy to do.
In this case the deception will surely emerge unless the parents are to maintain permanently that the child lives at the grandparents’ address. The school could then refuse to take any siblings unless the circs change.
And I agree with Bridegeit that this will make the child feel v uncomfortable when it realises later.

BlueBelle Wed 25-Apr-18 13:59:42

No I wouldn’t report them unless it was something that affected my child if theirs got in and mine didn’t maybe then I would feel like saying something but otherwise it’s between them and their conscience I think it happens all the time so we d have a lot of reporting to do
The system is riddled with inaccuracies and as said totally barmy at times

wildswan16 Wed 25-Apr-18 13:45:41

If I lived in the catchment area, and my child was unable to get a place because of this deception, and had to travel to a different school, then I would be very cross about it.

Bridgeit Wed 25-Apr-18 13:36:26

I agree it’s a barmy system

Bridgeit Wed 25-Apr-18 13:35:23

I think it’s wrong, surely they didn’t think they could get away with it , it seems inevitable to me that with school places at a premium anyone knowingly stretching the truth is bound to found out . Not exactly setting a good example to their off spring

Luckygirl Wed 25-Apr-18 13:33:53

It's a barmy system - I cannot blame anyone for trying to do the best for their child.

If all schools were good, then the problem would not arise.

icanhandthemback Wed 25-Apr-18 13:17:15

On another forum there is a request for advice on whether to report someone who has cheated the School's Admission System by giving a Grandparent's address who lives in the right catchment area. There is outrage at this "Busybody" because it is nothing to do with her and the majority feel she should not report it. AIBU to expect more people to feel this is an injustice to the children who didn't get to go to this popular school because another cheated the system and for people not to look the other way?