Pan-London admissions' system
In this issue of RBKC Direct, we explain the Government's new system for
London schools that is set to radically alter the way secondary school places
are selected. We ask whether it will improve the current system or make things
worse.
Simpler system
The Government has introduced what it thinks is a fairer and simpler system.
All 33 London boroughs, including Kensington and Chelsea, have signed up to the
system to coordinate admissions to their secondary schools.
The Government hopes the coordinated system will mean more parents will get
an offer at one of their preferred schools and that fewer will get no offer at
all.
The aim of the new system is to make the process easier for parents to
understand and manage; and to reduce the anxiety of waiting to find out about
applications.
But will this be the case, or will parents find the scheme in fact reduces
their choice of school for their children?
Impact on parents
For the average parent the process will not change very much at all. Parents
will complete their secondary school applications as normal and send them off.
But unlike previous year's applications, these will be centrally pooled in a new
Pan-London Register. The application will then be sent to the schools they have
chosen, each in turn.
However schools will use their admission criteria to determine which
applicants will be offered places, as of old. While parents will no longer be
able to 'hold' places at schools, the Council believes the end result may not
look that different.
While this system may offer some improvements, it is the Council's firm
belief that the real problem is the lack of secondary school places,
particularly those of a good standard.
The Council is very keen for parents in Kensington and Chelsea to be well
briefed and will supply them with all the information they need via primary
schools in autumn.
Fairer for all?
While the Council is keen to stop parents holding multiple places, it remains
unconvinced that the new system is a panacea for the abuses of the system.
It is however working hard to implement the new guidelines and has
successfully lobbied for changes to the proposed system.
It will monitor the new system closely and apply pressure to the Government
to change the system to mend any apparent flaws as quickly as possible.
Over to You
As always, we are keen to hear your views. Are you a prospective parent? Will
it make the selection process easier for you or will it narrow the choice of
secondary schools to send your children to?
Email any comments or questions you may have to rbkcdirect@rbkc.gov.uk.
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