7:00am Monday 26th October 2009
By Oliver Evans
PARENTS are being urged to give their views in a review of school admissions, to close at the end of this month.
They can email their views to the Buckinghamshire County Council-led review at schoolplacereview@buckscc.gov.uk.
The authority – which struggles with demand for popular schools – has appointed an independent reviewer.
Any changes would take affect from next September – and bosses say major changes could take place (see link, bottom of story).
Councillor Marion Clayton, cabinet member for achievement and learning, said: “I urge parents and carers to take part in this important process. “While catchment areas work well in most of the county, times change and we need to change with them.
“By working with parents, and listening to them, we can ensure any changes made are effective and beneficial.”
The reviewer, Alan Parker, has a “strong background in undertaking similar consultancy work for other councils” BCC said.
In a statement it said: “His brief is to analyse the impact of current secondary school admission arrangements, identify options for change and make recommendations.”
Mr Parker said: “I am interested in hearing views from as many parents as I can.”
Earlier this year the council agreed to expand the catchment areas of Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe to include Prestwood and the town’s John Hampden Grammar to include Gerrards Cross and Denham.
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