Please note, this is an archived story. Please check the date above.

In the past pupils were guaranteed high school places depending on which primary school they attended. Under new rules priority will be given to pupils depending on how close they live to their preferred school.

The new system was introduced for children transferring from primary to secondary school at the start of the current academic year in September.

A report by the city's chief education officer David Johnston shows that 90 per cent of Manchester children have been placed in their chosen school compared to the national average of 85 per cent. The report also revealed that at least 50 children have still not been found a place.

An extra 109 school places were created in the authority's high schools to cope with the new system but next year the chief education officer warns that it may be more difficult for parents to win the place they want. The authority is bidding for an additional 239 school places for next year.

Mr Johnston says that improving standards have meant that fewer children now leave state education for independent schools.

A lack of surplus places in neighbouring authorities such as Bury where many north Manchester parents have previously opted to send their children has also forced more parents to seek school places locally.

There will be a change in the timetable for allocating places next year. The admissions cycle for September 2002 will be put back, so that parents will be notified whether they have been allocated their chosen school after the Christmas holidays.

A venue has yet to be announced for the public meeting due to be held in the evening on Monday 29th October.