I would like to respond to C J Lowry's letter in April 30 edition.

1. West Swindon parents did not have enough intelligence to answer a simple form regarding secondary school application.

I, for one, received a form which required me to state my choice for my son of either Bradon or Greendown. There was nowhere on the form to state a second choice of Greendown having opted for Bradon. Several other letter writers have already tried to explain this to the letter writer without success.

2. I selected Bradon based on the historical experience of that school with my eldest son, which was positive. I believe that was the reason that the writer chose Greendown for his/her child. So why does that make me any different?

3. I do not believe that I am in any way a pushy parent and having met many West Swindon parents in recent weeks I only see parents who for that period have been through hell. While they have lived in this area for several years and have been able to send their children to Greendown/Ridgeway or Brad0n now find, despite receiving written confirmation from Swindon education department that there were enough places for all year six pupils at either Greendown or Bradon, do not have places in schools on their doorsteps.

4. I note that the correspondent cares not just for the education of his/her child but for all children.

Perhaps he/she could share with us all in West Swindon why he/she chose Greendown for his/her eldest child's education when from the home address Greendown is outside of his/her catchment area.

5. Again perhaps the writer could be magnanimous if he/she cares about all children's education and reject the place for his/her child at Greendown and allow a local child that place.

D Smith

The Bramptons

Swindon