Parents camp out all weekend to secure a spot at top state school
Desperate parents have spent the weekend camping in tents outside a popular Queensland primary school in an attempt to secure a spot for their child for next year.
Some of the parents told Seven News they had been camping out the front of Ascot State School in Brisbane since Friday night.
The primary school will enroll any student who lives inside the catchment zone, but for those outside the area only several spots are left.
The out-of-catchment applications are assessed in order of receipt, prompting family members to line up early to secure a place.
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The school, which is almost 100 years old, prides itself on its 'high-quality education' and lists its achievements on the school website.
Ascot State has won three awards for excellence in teaching and learning, and touts extensive music and physical education programs.
Before the school gates opened at 8am on Monday morning, at least a dozen people were lined up along Pringle Street.
More people were spotted waiting in their vehicles as cars lined the street.
One man waiting in line, Terry, was hoping to secure a position for his grandchildren.
"It just seems to be the school with the most facilities. It's very popular," he told 7 News.
"My son's not in the catchment area and wants to move into the area, so he's decided that he wants the best school."
Once inside the school, parents filled out enrolment forms for the 2019 school year, which were then placed on a waiting list.
But patience doesn't always pay off. One man camped overnight outside the school last year and his child was still not accepted into the institution.
Families will be notified in October if they have been accepted to the school.
