WE ALL know that pushy parents will do anything to get their children into the best schools.

But today’s news that as many as eight pupils are fighting it out for each place is a sign that something needs to change.

The system operates in such a way that people with money can move around to be closer to the best schools.

No-one can blame them for wanting the best.

Yet schools can only work up to a point on a system of supply and demand.

We might want to expand the very best schools to enhance their success and allow more people to benefit.

Indeed, this is something most people would welcome.

But schools are not businesses – and they can only be stretched so far.

There are several under-performing schools in the county that could benefit from seeing some of the children of pushy parents enter their gates.

What can be done to ensure this happens is a moot point.

However, if eight children are all trying to grab a seat in a game of musical chairs, perhaps there is something wrong with the game.

We need to do more to encourage people to think not just about their children’s futures – but about the importance of ensuring all of our schools get their fair share of the county’s brightest and best.