ALMOST 150 primary school pupils will not attend their preferred choice of secondary school in Burnley because popular schools are again oversubscribed.

At Habergham High School 266 parents placed the school as their first preference for their child's place of study -- but the school's admission number is 173.

Ivy Bank High is over subscribed by 51, St Hilda's RC by ten and St Theodore's RC by two.

Other schools are grossly undersubscribed and only 47 parents put Barden High as first choice despite the school's admission number being 175.

Burnley MP Peter Pike said: "It is a major problem .

"It cannot be sensible to spend millions on new school buildings when places are available. When looking at the figures do remember for Ivy Bank, for example, it would need three extra classes -- but not just of course in one year.

"I have already had numerous contacts and complaints about the allocation of high school places for the new school year in August.

"Parents can write to me or see me at an advice bureau or see their county councillor.

"If the offer is not what they would like they should appeal. It is important to remember it is a preference not choice and not everyone can get their first choice."