A headteacher has accused the Government of acting like Big Brother over admissions policies.
Terry Creissen, head at Brightlingsea's Colne Community School, has spoken out following the decision by the schools adjudicator to uphold an objection against his school's policy.
The objection came from the local education authority (LEA), Essex County Council.
It disagreed with the system which meant parents who picked the Colne as first choice for their children got first refusal instead of losing out to people who live nearer but got knocked back by their first choice elsewhere.
Mr Creissen said: "David Miliband (schools minister) is saying headteachers and governing bodies know what's best for their schools, but at the other end the Government is saying they know best. It sounds like something out of a George Orwell novel.
"As long as you agree with us you can do what you like. It's shoddy."
He added: "We just wanted to give priority to people who wanted their children to come here as a first choice."
No-one was available from the LEA for comment.
Published Monday August 30, 2004
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