School applications from outside Kent rise
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by Paul
Francis
Competition for places at Kent’s grammar schools could be even
more intense this year after figures showed that the number of
applications from outside the county has risen.
Kent County Council said that of the 5,295 children who passed
the 11-plus this year, 1,156 do not live in the county - compared
to 993 the previous year.
Although many of those out-of-county pupils eventually opt for
places elsewhere, the increase raises the prospect of another
squeeze on Kent families who could lose out.
It is also likely to trigger renewed calls on the government to
allow more grammar school places to be created.
There are 4,475 places available at Kent’s 33 grammars this
year, insufficient to meet demand on the basis of the number
passing the test.
The rising demand for grammar places has intensified in recent
years, particularly in west Kent. One reason appears to be that the
recession has seen many families leaving private schools because
they are no longer able to pay fees.
That pattern looks like being repeated this year with the
pressure from out-of-county applications from places like East
Sussex, Medway and London boroughs increasing.
According to
county education chiefs, KCC saw close to 11,000 children sit the
11-plus this year - about 250 fewer than the previous year.
Parents this week received letters informing them of the results
but formal offers of places at particular schools will not be made
until March on National Admissions Day.
* Families of Year Six children starting secondary
school in September 2011 now have just two weeks left to submit
applications for particular schools.
The official closing date is Sunday 31 October but
because of the half-term holiday, KCC will accept applications as
‘on time’ up until Friday 5 November.
Tuesday, October 19 2010
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