A SCHOOLGIRL devastated by the death of her brother is fighting to attend the same school as her elder brother.

Eleven-year-old Millgo Gual has been told by Bolton Education Department that she must attend Smithills High School.

Millgo, still grieving over her brother Hussain's death in June, wants to be with her elder brother Hassam who attends Rivington and Blackrod High School.

However Bolton education bosses have told the family that there are no places available at the school and that she should attend the school nearest to her home.

The youngster, who was due to start Smithills High School last month, is now being educated at home by a tutor.

Her angry father Mr Mohammed Gual, of Wyresdale Road, Heaton, said: "Parents think they have the right to choose which school their child attends. This just proves they have no choice or power whatsoever." Mr Gual has appealed twice against the council ruling and has even written to the Secretary of State for Education.

He added: "It's only parents with money who can afford to send their children to private schools who have any choice."

Mr Gual said that Hussain's death had a terrible effect on his daughter.

He said: "She was in Canada when he died suddenly at home in Bolton. She blames herself because she was not with him.

"That is why she is now very close to her other brother Hussam and wants to attend the same school."

Bolton's manager for pupil and student services, Mr Stuart Jackson, said that he was very sympathetic to Millgo's case. However he said that the council had given the family two opportunities to appeal and the ruling remained the same. He added there is a waiting list should vacancies at the school arise.

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