It is difficult to summarise how disappointed and annoyed I have been by the recent secondary admissions review (SAR) fiasco.

I could take issue with the lack of choice for my child, or with the catchment areas, which are supposed to give "an element of social justice" (Pat Hawkes' words, and I think "element" is putting it lightly - please explain how this works for Falmer school).

I am also annoyed with the way Ms Hawkes decided to bulldoze this through, but it has all been said before and to no avail. But to add insult to injury, I read that Brighton and Hove City Council is promising £1.4 million to be available for Varndean to expand, to cater for more children (The Argus, March 1) but not, alas, my child, nor many others.

I am sure pro-SAR parents will have their own selfish response, because at the end of the day we have all become selfish in this.

But my own child still cannot comprehend that he may not go to the same school as his best friend, who has an older sister at a different secondary school. Trying to explain to him has left me lost for words.

  • H Patel, Eastbourne Road, Brighton