Battling parents have vowed to go to prison if their children are barred from a much-praised Langdon Hills school.

Furious mums, keen to get their youngsters into Great Berry school said they would rather keep their youngsters at home, than send them elsewhere.,

Emotions reached fever pitch during a heated showdown with education chiefs.

Essex County Council officers were summoned to a Langdon Hills community hall by parents demanding to know where dozens of children will be schooled next term.

However, the hall turned into a battleground as beleaguered chiefs struggled to fend off a barrage of abuse and accusations from angry parents.

Nearly 40 parents have been told their children will not get a place at the top-rated school.

Families were told at the meeting they might have to send their children to another nearby junior school.

However, the warning was met with a tirade of derision from parents. One woman had to be restrained after confronting an education officer.

Organiser Chris James said: "Someone has cocked up and it's not our fault! It's their fault.

"What are we going to do about the parents entitled to send their children to Great Berry but are not allowed to? We are not going to ship our children out.

"We are now fighting as one and we will make one block appeal against the decision."

More than 100 parents have applied for just 60 places at the school, in Forest Glade.

Pressure on the school has come from a host of new estates built in the area over the past two years and a local birth-rate which is double the rate for the rest of Basildon.

Nearby Lincewood and Merrylands schools are already full up.

Parents pack the meeting to protest over Great Berry's admissions policy. Leading campaigner Chris James, right, was among the most vocal

Picture: MAXINE CLARKE

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