Consultation under way with parents on entry rules at in-demand Northampton secondary school
GV of Caroline Chisholm school. FEATURES, ANGE, PIC:Sharon 050317SL-7
THE headteacher of an over-subscribed Northampton secondary school says proposed changes to admission criteria would make it fairer for all parents who apply.
Caroline Chisholm School, in Wootton Fields, was granted academy status last year, which gives it the power to decide its own admissions policy.
A consultation is currently taking place on proposed changes to the admissions process for the September 2013 year seven intake.
The new policy would see the majority of places given to children who either live in the Wootton Fields and Grange Park areas, attend feeder primary schools or have a sibling who is already at the school.
Two years ago, six children who lived in the Simpson Manor area of Wootton failed to get places at Caroline Chisholm, even though they lived inside the catchment area.
The children lost out on the tie-breaker criteria which gave places to the children who lived furthest away from the nearest alternative school, in this case Abbeyfield School.
Headteacher Tony Downing said: “No matter what we do there are not enough spaces for everyone who applies.
“We have decided on three principles that are community focused.
“We are trying to get the balance right between the guiding principles of children that live in the area, attend feeder schools and have siblings already at the school. We are trying to be as fair as possible.”
The new admissions policy will not include any of the land earmarked for development in Wootton Fields or Grange Park.
Mr Downing said: “We have no plans to extend the catchment area further and do not think it would be sensible to make it any bigger.”
Jitinder Shoker, a parent of a child who lives in the catchment area but missed out on a place at Caroline Chisholm in 2009 due to the previous tie-breaker, said the proposed changes seemed to make sense.
Mr Shoker said: “It seems they are trying to rectify the issues that they had with admissions previously.
“I believe it is right that weighting should be given to children who live in the area, attend the feeder primary schools and have siblings at the school.”
A public meeting for parents will take place at Caroline Chisholm School on Monday at 6.30pm. A consultation form is also available to download from the school’s website.
The new admissions policy would not be used to decide the September 2012 intake.
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Comments
There are 7 comments to this article
Page 1 of 1
Finker
Friday, January 27, 2012 at 12:39 AMCYBI, I understand all too well, I am of chair of governors at a PFI school considering academy conversion (as most are currently).
Can you believe it
Thursday, January 26, 2012 at 06:27 PMFinker- Obviously do not realise schools turn into academies to get more money and control of their own resources. Conservatives see it as a new opt out type mechansim to get rid of local authorities' involvement in schools. Heads like it because they can justify lots more money in salaries! Academies used to be c---- schools now many are like Caroline a school who in this case want probably control of their own catchment area and new intake. Nice school built by the L.A.now out of L.A. control (better deal than having to buy at reduced prices your council house)!
Reverend
Thursday, January 26, 2012 at 03:33 PMHopefully it will keep you out, you Count..
TheCount
Thursday, January 26, 2012 at 02:30 PMHouse prices round wootton will plummet...down to just twice what they should be !!! Sell while you can !!!!
Chrispy1
Thursday, January 26, 2012 at 02:18 PMYou're right HrolfK, but that's how NBC & WNDC want the "Northampton Donought" to look...New houses round the outside (instead of fields) and without enough schools, stores, doctors etc whilst in the middle there is urban decay, empty and disused schools and the brownfield sites get turned down for planning permission. Nope - I don't understand 'em either!
HrolfK
Thursday, January 26, 2012 at 02:06 PMNot enough school places. And this area was planned, has been favoured by the WNDC for housing (on land designated for other uses), and will eventually have thousands of more houses. You gotta love our planners.
Finker
Thursday, January 26, 2012 at 01:54 PMPFI and an academy and parents want their kids to go there. Just goes to show you can't generalise.
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