Mark Pawsey’s reaction to school admission arrangements

Mark Pawsey has responded to the determination of the Schools Adjudicator, Dr Elizabeth Passmore, concerning admission arrangements to Rugby's secondary schools: "The decision of the Schools Adjudicator to stick with the decision of 24 October 2008 is a step in the right direction in that it improves access to Rugby's secondary schools for Rugby's children and parents compared to the position that has existed since 1989.

"However there are matters that remain of concern." Mark continued:

"The first is the complicated formula devised by Warwickshire County Council involving two areas, which determines priority for admissions. The adjudicator herself had difficulty in understanding this arrangement and most parents will be left in a state of uncertainty. Secondly the adjudicator suggests that there should be no change to these arrangements for admission in 2010, but that the admission authorities keep the matter under review. This means that there is no long term certainty about these arrangements and there is a danger that we will see a period of constant challenges by parents which will not be in the best interests of our children."

Mark added:

"Here in Rugby we are fortunate to have some excellent secondary schools including Grammar school places, which both parents and children aspire to. I am a parent of children educated in Rugby and when I meet other parents I am regularly asked about admission arrangements to our secondary schools. I believe that a formula which retains access for children living outside the County is not in the best interests of Rugby children. I would like to see a greater priority given to Rugby parents and children, greater clarity in the arrangements and greater certainty over a longer period."