Hinchley Wood School: entry criteria

There has been a great deal of concern expressed over proposals by Hinchley Wood School to change its entry criteria to favour KT10 and KT7 postal districts over KT6 and KT9. Half of Long Ditton is in the KT6 area so it is a potentially serious situation. This was a result of pressure from Claygate parents whose children had been offered places as far away as Walton and Epsom.

Our councillors have advised that as the school is an academy it has greater autonomy over entry criteria, but there are certain requirements for consultation which it has not yet met. Surrey County Council retained the obligation to provide places for children in schools and has said that there are sufficient places overall in Surrey. Because of this issue, education was to be discussed at the Local Committee for the first time.

If the school is to start the proper consultation for entry in 2015 it will have to do this soon – possibly before Christmas. There has been considerable discussion, during which parents have been advised to publicise the issue as widely as possible, organise petitions and make representations at the appropriate time. Councillors, for their part, will keep a close eye on events and help and advise where they can.

Up to date information can be obtained from our EBC councillor Shweta Kapadia email: skapadia@elmbridge.gov.uk