School Catchment Proposals Criticized by Brighton Parent Group

A Brighton group dislikes school changes. This group formed because of council plans, and they worried about school admission rules. These rules could affect local kids, and some kids might not get into their local schools.

The council will discuss these plans soon. They might reserve some spots for certain kids. Up to 5% of places could be reserved, helping kids from specific areas: BACA, Longhill, PACA, and Patcham.

A public survey showed most disagree with the changes. Over 60% opposed the new policy, with almost four thousand people responding. The parent group feels ignored by the council and thinks the council pushes harmful ideas.

The council considered a 20% open admission initially. Feedback changed it to 5% now. Many people opposed the whole idea, and some wanted less than 5% reserved. Few people supported the council’s plan.

The council thinks about free school meals and predicts some kids won’t get in locally; fifty-four kids could be affected. The schools expect 34% free school meals. The parent group says schools oppose the plan.

The group is amazed the council won’t work with schools. They say parents widely oppose the changes, and reducing the percentage doesn’t fix issues; it makes the local school area too crowded.

The council’s plan raises the number of kids and shrinks the number of spots. The group claims the council’s numbers show a problem: over sixty kids might have no priority and could have a long trip to school.

Cutting the reserved spots helps some. However, those displaced will still suffer. The parent group wants councillors to think about this before voting.

The council proposes some key changes: five percent open admission for certain areas, reduce class sizes at some schools, give parents four school choices instead of three, prioritize free school meal kids up to 30%, and change some school catchment areas.

The council meeting will happen soon online.