THE wait is finally over and the parents of East Lancashire’s four-year-olds now know which school their youngster is going to from September.

More than eight out of 10 apprehensive parents were delighted to hear their child had been given their first choice.

But there are always some left disappointed.

Not only is their son or daughter going off into the world of education for the first time, some will have the added anxiety of missing out on their top choice.

There is a difficult balance to be struck.

Nationally, growing competition for places at the best schools is leading councils to scrap a rule giving priority to siblings.

That means parents with two primary aged children could find themselves on two different school runs every morning and afternoon.

Thousands of others nationwide are seeing their child taught in ‘supersize’ classes of more than 30 pupils.

Despite the disappointment for some, it would seem even more children in other parts of the country have missed out on their preferred school.

There is a fine line between ensuring parents get their preferred choice and classes aren’t bursting at the seams.