Brighton & Hove City Council's proposed changes to school admissions are set to go before councillors on 27 February, following a public consultation that attracted nearly 4,000 responses. The council aims to amend its admissions process to address concerns raised by parents, who staged a protest last month. The original proposal, which allocated 20% of school places for pupils living in single catchment areas, has been revised to a more modest 5%.
The council's modified plans propose an open admission policy intended to provide children living in four specific school catchments—BACA, PACA, Longhill, and Patcham High—a better opportunity to secure places at certain schools. The schools poised to benefit from this policy include Dorothy Stringer, Varndean, Blatchington Mill, and Hove Park.
In a bid to manage student intake, the council suggests reducing the number of Year 7 students by one class, or 30 pupils, at Blatchington Mill and Dorothy Stringer, with Longhill facing a reduction of two classes. This adjustment follows the consultation feedback and aims to ensure a balanced distribution of school places across the city.
Families will also notice a change in application options, with the ability to make four choices for secondary school placements instead of three. Moreover, priority admissions will favor children eligible for free school meals, up to 30% of total admissions. These changes reflect the council's commitment to equity and accessibility in education.
However, not everyone agrees with the proposed changes. Brighton MPs Chris Ward and Mims Davies have voiced concerns over the potential impact on children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Chris Ward expressed apprehension that the new policy "could result in some children with SEND having to travel a long way and potentially via multiple forms of transport."
The council's recommendations have been shaped significantly by feedback from the consultation phase, reflecting the diverse opinions and concerns of the local community. As the proposals await deliberation, the council remains focused on balancing the needs of students, parents, and the broader educational ecosystem.
