ONE of the most difficult tests faced by education authorities is getting children into the primary schools their parents choose.

Swindon Council has not only passed the test; it has done so with even more impressive results than it achieved last year.

The figures tell no lies. This year 2,729 applications were made, which was 63 more than last year.

Of those, 92 per cent were matched with their first choice and 98 per cent matched with one of their top three choices.

Last year, as we remind readers today, 91 per cent we assigned their first choice and 97 per cent with one of their top three.

These statistics tell a commendable story about personnel being in command of a complicated logistical process.

They also speak of a school building programme which, aside from the controversy which has attended it at times, is at least serving its purpose.

There is every reason to hope for future results as good as or even better than this year’s.

However, there is still the matter of the families for whom yesterday’s announcements brought disappointment, worry and heartache.

The news that 98 per cent of applicants secured one of their first three choices will be of no comfort to the two per cent - more than 50 families - who did not.

Every effort should now be made to handle appeals rapidly, with compassion and with common sense.

As there are so few disappointed families, relatively speaking, helping them should be easier than it has ever been.