A heartbroken 11-year-old girl will have to travel from her home in Hullbridge to a school in Basildon because a form was sent in just two days late.

Samantha Stimspon, from Burnham Road, Hullbridge, wants to go to Sweyne Park School in Rayleigh, with her sisters Gemma, 12, and Michelle, 14.

However, she has only been offered a place at Barstable School in Basildon by Essex County Council, the local education authority.

Mum Mandy said confusion arose when the method of selecting a secondary school place changed this year.

Previously, when her other children had gone to Sweyne Park, the application form had been sent to the school directly, rather than the local education authority.

Mandy said: "I admit it was my fault, but I did not know the situation until I was contacted by County Hall.

"They sent me a new form, which I returned at once, but I was told because of the time it takes to go through the system I was still two days late."

Mandy didn't want to send her daughter to Barstable because the council could not guarantee free school transport for Samantha, who has special educational needs.

Now, she said she was looking into the cost of having home tuition for Samantha.

She said: "My husband is self-employed and works long hours and I work as well, so it would be almost impossible for me to get the other kids ready for school and take Sam to Basildon.

"I cannot believe children are being allowed into Sweyne Park from Basildon and other areas while those from the catchment area are rejected.

"Sam's needs and the fact her sisters are at the school and give her extra support is something which should come into it."

Stephen Castle, Essex County Council cabinet member for education, said: "While I have every sympathy with the family, there has to be a cut off point at some time.

"I will look into the issue and whether free school transport is available. We have a problem in the area with the number of available school places."