On Friday morning tens of thousands of parents across the country learned whether their children had gained a place at their preferred primary school - unless they happened to live in Surrey.

Shortly before the big day, the local education authority announced that technical difficulties had delayed the sending out of offer letters.

Parents were unamused. One, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: "We had been gearing up for this day, so to be told there is a delay, without any explanation, has really heightened anxiety.

"If the system has crashed, that's unfortunate. But if we find out there has been a cock-up we are going to be less sympathetic."

This week, Surrey County Council (SCC) refused to say what the "technical difficulties" were, or even to discuss the matter. However, a statement on its website said: "We would stress that the anticipated delay will be as short as possible, and we would like to thank parents for their patience on this matter."

Parents who have not received a letter by Friday, March 9, should call the county council's contact centre on 08456 009 009.

Meanwhile, secondary school places were handed out with the minimum of fuss.

A delighted 84 per cent of children in Surrey got into their first choice school, while 94 per cent were offered a place in one of their preferred three.

An SCC spokesman said that while he sympathised with parents who did not get their preferred school, the majority of parents were happy with the new system.

He added: "It is inevitable that some schools will be very popular and it is inevitable that not every single parent will get their first choice school, that is why we introduced the option of indicating a second and third preference on the applications.

"One issue this year is that many parents failed to indicate their second and third preferences on the assumption that by not indicating a second and third preference they will automatically be given their first choice."

SCC again this year did a detailed consultation with parents on how school places were allocated and found that 70 per cent agreed with the new system.