THE controversial issue of admissions to high schools in Bury comes under the microscope next week.

Parents, many of whom claim the admissions policy is unjust, are being invited to make their views known as town hall bosses hold two special meetings on Monday and Tuesday (Sept 25-26).

There were more appeals over high school placements in Bury last year than almost anywhere else in the country.

One problem is that popular schools, such as Woodhey in Ramsbottom, cannot meet demand for places while in the south of the borough parents who have failed to secure "first-choice" places for their children have been angered by the high numbers of pupils from Salford and Manchester taking up places in Bury.

Another bone of contention is the council's refusal to give absolute preference to children who have brothers or sisters already at a particular school.

The council's lifelong learning and culture scrutiny and review panel is now to make the thorny issue of high school admissions the subject of its first major investigation. Councillor Tim Chamberlain, panel chairman, said: "While our hands are tied to a large extent by the current national guidelines, it may well be that fine tuning can be carried out.

"We are not offering any instant solutions. However, the council may have to consider lobbying at a higher level to bring about change."

During Monday's meeting, chief education officer Harold Williams will explain how the system works in Bury, and evidence will be taken from head teachers.

The bulk of the night is set aside to allow comments from chosen parents' representatives, and for mums and dads who attend during public question time.

Tuesday's meeting will see councillors digest the evidence and make any recommendations to the ruling Labour cabinet.

Councillor Chamberlain said it was important for people to have their say and discuss the matter in public: "My personal view is that if we wish to change the system then we ought to be making a clear case why it is not appropriate to Bury.

"We have schools which are extremely popular because of the high education standards that they have achieved. That makes them attractive, not just to parents in our borough but also those outside.

"The fact that at Prestwich High nearly 50 per cent of Year Seven pupils come from out-of-district underlines that. Clearly, though, there are difficulties being experienced by our schools, our parents and our children."

Coun Chamberlain added: "We are not promising that the panel's findings will provide any quick fix. However, we are looking at long term ways to ensure that not only does everyone get a fair deal but that all our schools continue to flourish."

Both meetings begin at 6pm in Bury Town Hall.