Headteachers and MPs have criticised new Government plans to promote the allocation of school places by "lottery".

Education Secretary Alan Johnson has announced a new admissions code aimed at stopping middle-class families monopolising the best secondaries by moving into the catchment area.

Headteachers are now legally bound to follow the new code, which aims to ensure all children have a fair chance of getting into their preferred schools, no matter where they live or what their background is.

But Andrew Baker, headteacher at Westcliff High School for Boys, said he anticipated the code would not be well received and would be difficult to enforce.

He said: "A number of parents would object to having to move their children to schools away from their own homes.

"I recognise Mr Johnson is also concerned to effect a greater social mix in schools. But that too, if it was enforced by moving people around, would be something parents would have reservations about."

Russell Sullivan, headteacher at Castle View School, Canvey, also voiced worries about the plans.

He said: "I would be concerned at any random allocation of places. I can see possible abuse of the system and would want to view a lot more information before I could give it my unqualified support."

The specific proposal for admissions lotteries is a suggestion rather than a mandatory requirement of the code.

The code states: "It may be used as the sole means of allocating places, or alongside other oversubscription criteria. Random allocation can widen access to schools for those unable to afford to buy houses near to favoured schools and create greater social equity."

However, Castle Point MP Bob Spink said the policy was too complicated.

He said: "What we need is common sense. Leave admissions to the local education authorities based on where children live and if their siblings go to the school."