My understanding of the comprehensive system in Lewisham, (assuming parents all select their local school) is that, children are allocated the nearest school, within their academic band (5).

So if by chance your local school is surrounded by a year group all of a certain band, then many are going to be allocated a different school once that band is fully allocated.
And children further away but of a different band, will get places in your local school.

I don't think it is absurd - it is trying to get a mix, but sure a small minority of parents and children will be very very inconvenienced.

Never mind. It will all be privatised in the next few years.