School Admissions Proposal May Displace Over 200 Pupils from Catchment Schools

Revisions to the secondary school admissions process in Brighton and Hove could result in over 200 children not securing a spot at their designated catchment area school. These statistics originate from a report submitted to Brighton and Hove City Council’s cabinet, which is scheduled to convene on December 5, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Specifically, as many as 125 young people within the Dorothy Stringer and Varndean catchment areas might not obtain a place at their local institution, alongside 57 children in the Hove Park and Blatchington Mill catchment areas, and 44 in Patcham. A new admissions policy, slated for implementation in September 2026, aims to broaden options for children in catchment areas that currently have only one school, such as the Portslade Aldridge Community Academy (PACA) and Longhill. The report stated: “In some instances, there will not be places available under the categories due to the current profile of the pupils in the catchment area.“As under the current arrangements, it is possible that a pupil may not receive a place in a catchment area school as it is subject to the pattern of preferences made across the city.“The introduction of new priorities does not reduce the likelihood of this happening. It is most likely going to increase the potential of this happening in certain areas of the city over the coming years.” Prior to the drafting of the cabinet report, the council conducted a public engagement exercise lasting three weeks. Over 2,400 individuals participated, with a majority opposing the reduction of admissions to highly sought-after schools and the two most extensive proposals for altering catchment areas. Adam Dennett, a parent and professor of urban analytics, highlighted a potential irony stemming from the proposed admission changes: children from Whitehawk and the Manor Farm estate, who would be brought into the Stringer and Varndean catchment, might still not secure a place at those institutions. He commented: “The council appears bent on forcing vast numbers of the city’s children to attend schools out of their catchment and a long way from their homes, with no care for the impact on those children and their learning.” During a meeting set for December 5, the cabinet will be requested to endorse an eight-week public consultation, commencing on December 6. For further updates, BBC Sussex can be followed on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas may be submitted to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 08081 002250. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external sites. Details on their external linking policy are available.