Richmond Council has issued a call to the public to have their say over proposed changes to the school admissions system in the borough for the 2006 entry.

Launching a major consultation exercise, the council is seeking views on proposed changes to the system for allocating places at local primary and secondary schools, changes first mooted by three parent-governors under the auspices of Richmond upon Thames Admissions Forum.

Leaflets detailing the plans have been issued to parents and two special drop-in sessions are being held for the public to air their views.

The Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Schools, Cllr Geoffrey Samuel, said: "The consultation will put school admissions procedures firmly under the microscope. We would like to hear the views of parents and all other interested parties on this very important issue.

"The proposed changes to the admissions criteria for secondary schools will be of particular interest to parents as they represent considerable change from past years, including a proposal to scrap the sibling rule, and to amend the quadrant system for Waldegrave School. "

At this stage, the council, as the local education authority, is open-minded about all the proposals and simply wants to hear what local people think in order to make informed and balanced decisions.

Commented Cllr Samuel: "This exercise is unique in three ways. The proposals come wholly and exclusively from a Working Party of three Parent Governors. This really is power to parents !

"The Council is entirely neutral. We neither support nor oppose them. We shall simply implement what schools, parents and Governors want.

"We have arranged three drop-in sessions. Not public meetings which many find intimidating but sessions when parents can talk to officers, ask questions and record their views."

About the changes for admissions to Waldegrave School for Girls, which is always greatly over-subscribed, Cllr Samuel added: "We await the public response with interest."

There will be two drop-in sessions to enable the public to gain further information and to register their views: Tuesday December 7 at York House, Twickenham, 6pm to 8pm; and Thursday December 16 at Sheen Lane Community Hall, 5pm to 7pm. Deadline for responses to the consultation is 21 January 2005. Feedback will then be collated and presented to the Richmond upon Thames Admissions Forum in February and to the Council's Cabinet for a final decision in March.

The consultation document is available in all the borough's libraries and can be accessed on the council's website

For further information please call Matthew Paul, Principal Admissions Officer, on 020 8891 7588 or email m.paul@richmond.gov.uk

Friday, November 5, 2004

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