Parents have the right to choose their child's school, but only if there is a place available at the school of choice. Education expert, Elizabeth Cook, outlines a situation which many feel is best described as Catch-22.

Raisingkids member's problem
What legal rights and options do I have when choosing a primary school for my daughter? We don't want to send her to the local primary school and I already know that the Council will dismiss any appeal regardless of the grounds we may have. I'm very worried that our child won't get the best possible education and also that our personal circumstances won't be taken into account.

Elizabeth's advice
Legally you have the right to send your daughter to the school of your choice, but here's the rub - only if that school is not already fully subscribed - which often the best schools are. You do have the right to appeal if your daughter is refused your choice - but you would need a very, very strong case if the school is already full. However, this appeal takes place before an independent board and it is not the Council's decision so it might be worth a try. Sorry it's not better news.

• More Of Liz's Answers About Under-11s
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• Ask Our Experts: First-Choice School Appeal