The head teachers of nine secondary schools in Brighton and Hove have spoken out about the allocation of places.
They have written a joint letter aimed at parents, pupils and the public after claims this week of a shortage of places.
One of heads pointed out that the difference between the best and the rest had narrowed in recent years after a concerted group effort to raise standards – and the aim was to keep raising standards.
They said: “Parents and carers up and down the country are understandably anxious around this time every year because they want to know if their child has secured a place at the school of their choice.
“However, standards in secondary schools in our city are high and this truth continues to be validated by a succession of Ofsted inspections.
“There are excellent schools in the city which currently have spaces for more students.
“If parents and carers are uncertain about a school, we strongly recommend that they ask if they can visit.
“There is nothing quite as good as seeing a school for yourself first hand to see what it is like.
“All of us who are parents or carers understand the extent to which the allocation of school secondary places is a fraught process.
“However, we are fortunate in Brighton and Hove to have so many excellent schools from which to choose.”
The letter was signed by
Ashley Harrold, Blatchington Mill School,
Dylan Davies, Brighton Aldridge Community Academy (BACA)
James Kilmartin, Cardinal Newman Catholic School
Richard Bradford, Dorothy Stringer School
Rob Reed, Hove Park School
Kate Williams, Longhill School
John McKee, Patcham High School
Katie Scott, Portslade Aldridge Community Academy (PACA)
William Deighan, Varndean School
But why do students who live in hollingdean, virtually next door to both vardean and stringer get shipped off to falmer? (No offence against baca I believe it is a good school) I thought we wanted to encourage a climate of healthy kids who walk to school, but now the hollingdean kids have to rely on public transport or their parents driving them (yet more cars on the road at peak times). The allocation doesn’t make any sense.