PARENTS at Archbishop Holgate's School have made it clear to education chiefs that standards, not admission policies, are their top priority.

York's education chairman Coun Janet Looker and the city council's assistant education director Chris Edwards were last night on the campaign trail, explaining the options for change to school admissions policy to a packed meeting in the school hall.

Currently, five different admission systems operate at York's 12 secondary schools and the council wants a shake-up to simplify the system.

But as Coun Looker and Mr Edwards outlined four options for change, parents' questions turned again and again to raising standards and the academic ramifications of the proposals.

Archbishop Holgate's headteacher John Harris agreed with parents that academic improvement under any of the systems was "something of a red herring" but said operating five systems was "crazy".

"We are expecting to be the most improved school in York this summer," he said.

"But operating so many different admissions systems between so few schools is crazy."

Parents at the meeting said Fulford was the school of choice and many feared their children's opportunities were threatened by the proposals.

Coun Looker admitted it would be impossible to please everyone but if parents showed overwhelming support for any particular option, the education committee would find that "very persuasive".

She did not believe there would be a favourite option and stressed while some parents would respond to consultations, many more would not and the results could not be treated as a referendum.

"It is not a vote but we will read all the comments carefully and listen to what people are saying.

"But our duty must be to all the children in the city."

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