Issue - items at meetings - Review of Secondary Schools Admissions Procedures

RESOLVED:

(1)  That the Committee agreed that, in order to secure sufficient time to explore all options, consult widely and develop a consensus around sustainable procedures the timescale set out in paragraph 3.10 of the report should be adopted.

23.1      The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director for Children’s Services in relation to the review of secondary school admissions procedures. The report was introduced by the Head of Education Planning and Contracts.

23.2      A representative from the Youth Council referred to paragraph 3.3 of the report and asked if there would be changes to the catchment areas. The Head of Education Planning and Contracts said that the Cross Party Working Group would look at any changes necessary to take account in the growth in secondary school numbers.

23.3      Councillor Wealls said that any changes to the admissions procedures could have important implications for families, and so it was essential that the review was conducted correctly and fairly.

23.4      Councillor Randall said that he had been involved with the review a number of years ago which had resulted in the introduction of the catchment areas. That review had taken over a year to conclude and so it was important that sufficient time was allowed for this review, and he therefore supported the second timetable (paragraph 3.10 of the report).

23.5      Councillor Pissaridou said that the Labour & Co-operative Group supported the second timetable.

23.6      A representative from the Youth Council felt that people’s opinions of schools changed over time, for example Brighton Aldridge Community Academy was becoming more popular. A longer timescale would take account of those changes.

23.7      Councillor Brown agreed that the second timetable was preferable. Possible changes to the admission criteria created uncertainty and it was important that the process wasn’t rushed and people were given sufficient time to consider the issues.

23.8      Councillor Lepper said that any review would be difficult, but it was important to look at all the issues and look at what would be best for the whole city.

23.9      Councillor MaCafferty said that there were many issues which could impact on the review, and it was important that the process wasn’t rushed and all facts fully considered.

23.10   Mr A Jeffrey said that it was important to remember that all parents wanted the best for their children and so sufficient time should be allowed for their views to be known.

23.11   A representative from the Youth Council noted that people didn’t like changes to happen too fast, and if enough time were allowed people would begin to accept adjustments.

23.12    RESOLVED:

  That the Committee agreed that, in order to secure sufficient time to explore all options, consult widely and develop a consensus around sustainable procedures the timescale set out in paragraph 3.10 of the report should be adopted.