WHEN it comes to driving up examination results, Hurworth School, in Tony Blair's constituency, has an undeniably impressive track record.

Nine years ago, just 38 per cent of pupils achieved five A* to C grades at GCSE. Now, that percentage stands at 93 per cent and Hurworth is lauded as a school which sets the standards.

But our story today about model pupil Kaleigh Baker throws up fundamental questions which we believe are at the heart of Britain's education system.

How far should a school go in pushing pupils towards examination success? And where does parental choice fit in?

When Kaleigh's parents decided not to sign a form giving their permission for their daughter to attend additional lessons, the school responded by saying she would not be allowed to go to the school prom, play for the netball team or go on school trips.

We have spelled out both sides of the argument in equal measure on Page 5. From the school's point of view, it is doing what it fervently believes is right for the majority of pupils. The parents, however, believe just as passionately that they have acted in the best interests of their daughter - a popular pupil with an exemplary record.

There is a delicate balance to be found. We respect the school's objectives because there is ample evidence that its philosophy produces results.

But we believe that there is an important principle at stake within this story. Ultimately, parents must have the final say in what is best for their children because only they know how much they have to cope with - in and out of school.

To ban a model pupil from going to the prom is, in our view, a step too far.