Why Alex faces a 45-mile trip to school

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Alex Chatfield, from Kemsing, near Sevenoaks, has been told his "nearest appropriate school" is in Folkestone. His mother, Sandra Chatfield, said it would take him more than two hours to get to school and another two hours to return.

Kent county council said grammar schools in west Kent were heavily subscribed. It is encouraging parents who have not been given a local school for their child to appeal by 26 March.

Alex did not get his first two choices near his home and was instead offered The Harvey Grammar School. Mrs Chatfield said: "He would be able to do it if he walks to a station, takes one train, changes trains, gets a bus the other end, and has to still walk from the bus to the school."

Kent council said 78 per cent got into their first choice school, up from 70 per cent last year. Of those pupils who did not get their first choice, 11 per cent did get their second choice, it said.