DORSET parents who appealed after their children were refused places in secondary schools have had the most success in the South West.

Government statistics show that 62 per cent of 507 appeals made in the county were decided in the parents' favour.

The only area to match this out of 15 regional local authorities was Bath and North East Somerset with 62.1 per cent of appeals successful.

In England overall, 35.3 per cent of appeals proved successful while the average for the South West was 48.9 per cent.

Parents have the right to appeal to an independent appeal panel if they are unsuccessful in getting their first choice place at primary or secondary school.

In Dorset primary schools, 53.5 per cent of 118 appeals were successful - the fourth-highest rate in the South West.

In England, just 32.2 per cent of appeals were upheld and the average for the South West was 42.2 per cent.

Schools Minister and South Dorset MP Jim Knight said the admissions appeal system was designed for every family to have a fair chance.

He added: "The appeals system does not exist simply because children do not get into an oversubscribed first choice school.

"It gives parents an opportunity to argue that a local authority or school has either not complied with its own admissions arrangements or that there are compelling reasons why their child should be offered a place."