By Jon Swain
Monday 2nd March saw the latest school allocations for entry to both primary and secondary schools. This can be a real rollercoaster ride for both parents and children, and my family has direct experience of this.
This year, four boys from our village have not been allocated a place at their first choice of school (in whose catchment area we fall), not because they do not meet the academic qualifications for entry; but because, year on year, the places are being filled by a ‘proximity to the school’ criteria. Last year, boys were admitted to Dr Challoner’s within a radius of 6.7 miles, this year it’s 5.8 miles. The same applies to Dr Challoner’s High School; last year all in catchment girls were offered a place, this year only those living 7.2 miles or less from the school will gain entry, this impacts directly on those living in The Lee.
Increasing urban density in Amersham and Chesham is placing pressure on the chances of admission for children who live in rural areas. A recent consultation on allocations, which closed on 1st March, proposed changes for the Prestwood area, but no mention of the problems anticipated, and already experienced at The Lee. Someone more cynical than me might just wonder about the convenience of the timing of this; too late for those affected by the next day’s allocation announcements, and also too late for those who’s concern it will be in future years to contribute. Just who is looking after the interests of our village? It now looks as though children from The Lee will have no choice about their secondary schools, unlike most others who live in Bucks.
The other problem is the strategic use of rented accommodation in Amersham and Chesham, by families from out of the catchment area, who have to be ‘resident’ on a certain day in order to qualify for a place. On the confirmation of a guaranteed place, they are free to move back to their real homes, often out of County. Meanwhile genuine residents are penalised.
Concerned? You should be, whether or not you have children at the crucial age. It is a serious issue for this community. You must contact your local politicians and ask what they are doing about it.