Parents in Surrey are worried that proposed changes could deny their kids spots at a top secondary school
Esher: Parents are really upset about changes to admissions at Hinchley Wood School. They feel these changes could make it harder for local kids to get in. It’s like they’re being forced to make tough choices about their children’s education.
The school wants to give priority to kids from its own primary schools, even if they don’t live nearby. This means children from Long Ditton St Mary’s Junior School might miss out, and parents are understandably furious. They’ve always counted on this school for their kids.
Hinchley Wood is known for being one of the best schools in Surrey, and parents want their children to have a fair shot at getting in. The school’s chief executive, Ben Bartlett, says he understands the worries but believes it’s important to keep kids within the trust for a smoother transition.
Now, parents are stuck deciding whether to send their kids to a different primary school just to increase their chances of getting into Hinchley Wood. One dad mentioned it feels like having a gun to your head when making these choices.
Some parents feel the changes are unfair, especially since they moved to the area thinking they were in the catchment zone. They’ve invested in their homes and community, and now it feels like that’s all being disregarded.
If kids can’t get into Hinchley Wood, they might have to travel far to other schools, which isn’t ideal. Many kids have already faced enough challenges with their education due to Covid, and starting at a new school far from home could add to their stress.
Parents are worried about losing the close-knit community ties that come from attending local schools. They feel that the school’s decisions are more about financial gain than what’s best for the kids.
There’s a campaign group of about 65 parents trying to raise awareness about these changes. They believe it could lead to a ripple effect on school admissions across the area.
While the school insists the changes are not financially driven, parents are skeptical. They want to ensure their children have access to the best education without being pushed out of their local schools.
Local MP Monica Harding is also concerned and is urging the school to consider alternatives that better serve families. She’s been in touch with the Department for Education to make sure local schools aren’t negatively impacted.
The consultation on these changes is ongoing, and parents are encouraged to voice their opinions. It’s a tough situation, and everyone hopes for a resolution that keeps the community’s needs in mind.
