THE idea of brothers and sisters following each other to the same school is a basic, natural progression in most families. Yet, in Bolton, there is no sibling link and, as Bolton North East MP Peter Thurnham rightly points out, this policy is anti-family.

It is obvious that if the town acknowledged sibling links, some schools would very quickly be oversubscribed and there would still be many disgruntled families unable to get their children into the school of their choice. But, like all changes in policy, this would eventually work its way out.

When parents have to get children to several different schools for the same time each day, it is bound to cause unnecessary difficulties, with some children having to travel alone. School uniforms cannot be handed down within the family and parents have to get to grips with two or more separate school systems and staffing.

When it comes to happy families and stronger community schools, there is a simple lesson to be learned. Brothers and sisters belong together in education.

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