I entered the high school lottery 25 years ago when I stated a school preference for my son, who is now 36.

I was denied my choice but was fortunate enough to win my first appeal after preparing a convincing case tantamount to saving him from the gallows.

Twenty-five years on, thousands more parents have had similar experiences and, judging by the current state of anxiety, nothing has changed. In fact, it's worse as there are fewer schools on offer.

This year is rather deja-vu for me, as I'm now witnessing my granddaughter participate in the high school lottery.

We all want the best for our children but, sadly, we become divided when our personal anxieties for them become paramount.

The council has a lot to answer for. Historically, there has been no forward planning. If there had been, parents would now be getting a much better deal.

Somehow, we must stop this ridiculous state of affairs from continuing. The council shows little sign of making any long-term changes other than moving the goal posts every year and so turning parents against each other. Did it really think closing the only high school in east Brighton would have have no repercussions?

How it can habitually subject parents to this annual misery is beyond me.

-Marian Devoy, Brighton