A MUM feels victimised after her daughter was the only pupil in her year who did not gain a secondary school place with her friendship group.

Rebecca Cotterell’s daughter, Mollie, moved to Weobley Primary School last March, after suffering from bullying at her previous school.

Miss Cotterell said Mollie has flourished with her new friends, and hoped to go to Weobley High School in September with them.

They have been told by Herefordshire Council that, as they live out of the catchment area, Mollie has been given a place at Earl Mortimer College.

Miss Cotterell said: “I do understand that [we are out of the catchment area] but other children are as well and have got in.

“I feel like we are being victimised to single out one child.”

Mollie is the only one of the 17 school leavers in her year who has not gained a place at Weobley.

Her mum said it is crucial she goes to school with her friends as she was bullied for three years.

“She has come on in leaps and bounds, and now has a great bunch of friends,” she added.

Miss Cotterell, an administrator, has appealed the decision.

A Herefordshire Council spokesman said: “The correct procedure is for the mother to appeal against the decision.

“We would expect the appeal to be heard as soon after the Easter break as possible.

“We have received a number of appeals for places at Weobley already.

“Mollie is currently ranked eighth on a waiting list of 17 children — all of whom are ‘out of area’ applicants ranked by distance from the school.”