PARENTS living in London and desperate to get their children into Buckinghamshire grammar schools are conning schools and the county council by saying they live in the catchment area, and are entitled to a place.

They are buying or renting property in the county, but not living in it. And some are sending children to live with grandparents in the county.

Two highly-regarded schools affected are Dr Challoner's Grammar School in Amersham and Dr Challoner's High School in Little Chalfont, which are easily accessible for children from north London.

Parents would have to pay £775 a month for a two bedroomed flat above a bank in Chesham and £500 to £600 for a studio apartment.

This year, for the first time, Buckinghamshire County Council withdrew places at the two schools from about a dozen children who had been offered them. Six parents at Dr Challoner's Grammar School appealed, but five of those lost.

School head Dr Mark Fenton said the school could not allow parents to try and beat the system. "I am very keen to make sure that if anyone tries to cheat they will be found out," he said.

At the High School, head teacher Hilary Winter said: "People will go to extremes to get a place. We have to be squeaky clean. The admission criteria must be followed to be absolutely fair to everyone. It is not fair when one family has the means to rent a property to give a residential address.

"Our line is that we apply the admission rules absolutely clearly and if we have any concerns we contact the admissions team at County Hall."

Dr Fenton said there were certain addresses of convenience that made him suspicious, such as one or two-bedroomed flats over shops, which were obviously not family homes.

He was also suspicious when children had attended a primary school outside the county.

Marion Clayton, the county council cabinet member for schools, said the LEA was getting tougher.

"It is difficult to track these people down, but it really is not fair to genuine people to cheat the system. We have to get the message out that if you are trying to get an unfair advantage we will withdraw the offer."

Jan Kerry, admissions officer for the county council, said that three parents whose places had been withdrawn, responded that they no longer wanted the place. Three more had provided proof of residence and the children's places were reinstated.

Another case was allowed on appeal, after the panel learned that the child had two older siblings at the school, who should also not have been given places. The panel felt it would be unfair on the youngest child not to allow him a place, she said.

Head of schools policy and performance Nick Powley said: "We have to be careful that the child is not being punished for the actions of the parents."

The LEA intends to get tougher for next September's admission. Parents will have to be living in a school's catchment area on January 6, when they have to apply for places.