In the exercise and performance of all powers and duties conferred and imposed on them by F2the Education Acts 1944 to F31996 the F4Secretary of State for Education and ScienceF5the funding authoritiesand local education authorities shall have regard to the general principle that, so far as is compatible with the provision of efficient instruction and training and the avoidance of unreasonable public expenditure, pupils are to be educated in accordance with the wishes of their parents.