A WORCESTER schoolboy is "over the moon" at the thought of going back to school following a year-long battle with education chiefs.

Twelve-year-old David Suffolk will start Year 8 at Christopher Whitehead High School after an appeals panel created a place for him.

The schoolboy, of Bodiam Close, Warndon Villages, has been at the centre of a row for 18 months after his parents refused to send him to Elgar Technology College.

It was the only place available for him last year after an application to attend Nunnery Wood High school was refused due to over-subscription.

He will be joining friend Dominic Price, who started at the St John's school after a similar battle.

"I'm over the moon," said David. "I'm really looking forward to joining the school.

"I'll be getting the bus with Dominic and he can introduce me to all his mates."

David has not been to school since leaving primary school in July, 2001.

His parents, Mark and Lin, wanted him to start Nunnery Wood High school, where his older brother Daniel is a pupil.

An appeals hearing at Worcestershire County Council, yesterday, decided that David should have a place at Christopher Whitehead High School instead.

"We're overjoyed," said Mark. "Although it's cost us a lot of time and money, we've got the decision we wanted.

"It shows people out there that there can be light at the end of the tunnel.

"We said all along we weren't going to send him to Elgar. It's all been about David and his future. He's got the decision he deserves."

The family were taken to court for not sending David to the Bilford Road school and fined £400 in May.

"Our only concern has ever been for David's education," said a county council spokesman.

"If there is now the option for David to go to Christopher Whitehead High School, we wish him all the best."