Grammar schools' admissions policy under review (From Chelmsford Weekly News)

Grammar schools' admissions policy under review

7:30am Friday 20th January 2012 in News

CHELMSFORD’S two grammar schools have launched a review of their admissions policy.

A consultation is under way by King Edward VI Grammar School and Chelmsford County High School for Girls over the introduction of a new catchment area with a 12.5-mile radius from the centre of Chelmsford – from which at least 80 per cent of its students would come from.

If the proposals are given the green light, the changes will come into effect in September next year.

The aim is to cut back on the number of children travelling for more than an hour to get to the schools.

Tom Sherrington, headteacher at KEGS, said: “We felt the pattern of admissions has changed quite dramatically and unless we take some action we’re in danger of the schools becoming less focused on Chelmsford and Essex and more focused on other areas.

“We’re not closing the door to anybody – we are just making sure 80 per cent come from that area.”

KEGS also plans to open up to ten per cent of places to Year 7 students who, in addition to scoring highly on the 11-plus test, demonstrate they have “significant musical aptitude”.

It has also proposed all students applying to join its sixth form must achieve a C grade or above in a GCSE foreign language by the end of Year 11.

Parents, as well as members of the public, will be able to have their say on the proposed changes at a public meeting on February 1 at 6.30pm at King Edward VI Grammar School, in Broomfield Road.