Policies will have to make the grade

The problem of schools having more children seeking enrolment than it has staff or space to teach is a strong sign of the value that Irish families place on good education.

But the difficulties that transpire when disputes arise over how schools select which pupils it will admit can be long-winded and hugely frustrating for parents, and ultimately detrimental to the welfare of the children involved.

In many cases, a student will be able to find a school elsewhere, albeit not their first choice, or that of their parents. But when pupils are left excluded from all schools in their area, it becomes a much bigger problem.