It is a source of frustration for parents and headteachers when children are refused their choice of school.

Matthew Arnold School in Oxford believes that by using new legislation to expand, demand for places can be met.

If successful, it will receive £500,000 from the Government to improve its buildings.

The drawback is that Oxfordshire County Council will be forced to pay the balance, possibly up to £1m, from its overstretched budget.

The school has become desirable for parents since transforming itself into one of the best performing secondaries in Oxfordshire.

But it is not the only popular and successful school -- nor is it the only one in need of improvements to buildings.

Many others with cramped, ageing and unsuitable buildings are waiting patiently for cash. If Matthew Arnold was to 'leapfrog' them to secure a substantial grant, other schools -- and their pupils -- would suffer.

Satisfying parents' demands at one school should not be at the expense of others.

If the Government wants to give popular schools this chance to expand, it should meet the whole cost.