Haringey school places fraud: Anger at parents cheating system to ‘jump queue’ and get kids into top secondaries

A Muswell Hill mum has shared her anger at parents temporarily moving into the area to jump the queue for school places, as Haringey Council says it is investigating four cases of school application fraud.

The mother-of-two, who has lived in Colney Hatch Lane for six years, said she is concerned her youngest son won’t be able to get into nearby Fortismere or Alexandra Park secondary schools because of people moving into the area.

She said: “We’ve seen the catchment area shrink, and this one of the reasons why. I completely accept that some parents will go above and beyond to get their child a decent education, but the rules are there for a reason.

“There needs to be more rigor from the councils on applications. We feel we’re being let down by the system.”

Some parents from Muswell Hill have been told they will have to send their children to Tottenham, because they haven’t been able to get into any of their six choices of school. The mum told us that other parents are increasingly talking about home schooling as a last resort alternative.

On its website, Haringey says it takes any fraudulent applications “very seriously” and reserves the right to withdraw an offer if a school application was made fraudulently. It will then move pupils to a school they are entitled to attend.

It revealed it is investigating four cases of application fraud.

The news comes as Haringey introduces “bulge classes” in seven schools in the borough, to help deal with a financial crisis baby boom. But some parents believe it isn’t enough.

Haringey Council cabinet member for children, education and families, Cllr Elin Weston, said: “We are hugely proud of the schools in our borough, with every single one now rated outstanding or good by Ofsted. It is vital that every child has a fair chance to apply for a place at the great schools in our borough.

“We take admissions fraud extremely seriously and work closely with primary and secondary schools to investigate any concerns and take action where necessary.”