by Jenni Horn

All of Medway’s primary schools have opted to take the 11 plus in their own schools this September.

Medway Council agreed to give schools the choice about whether they wanted to hold the exams, now called the Medway Test, in their own schools rather than independent test centres.

The two-month consultation with schools and parents was held after more than 90 complaints about delays and disruptions during last year's exams.

As a result, all of Medway’s 62 maintained primary and junior schools have chosen to hold the test at their own school this year, rather than at an independent test centre, as in previous years.

Under the new plans, 71 per cent of Medway’s maintained primary schools have chosen to hold this year’s test at their own school over two days on Tuesday, September 18 and Wednesday, September 19, while the remaining schools have taken the decision to hold the test at their own schools on Saturday, September 22.

Three out of Medway’s four independent schools will also be holding the test at their own school this year.

Pupils from out of the area will take the test in an independent centre as usual on the Saturday.

Consultation documents on the new admissions arrangements were circulated to primary schools, children’s centres and nurseries across Medway from Friday, November 18 until Friday, January 13, as well as being available on the Medway website for parents to read.

In total, 147 responses were received, 133 of which supported the option for the testing of Medway children to be undertaken in primary schools, rather than independent test centres.

Full details of the test arrangements will be included in the council's admissions guide for parents, which will be published next month.

Cllr Les Wicks, who is responsible for children's services, said: "This was about giving schools and parents a choice and ensuring we are working together to do what’s best for children.

"The majority of responses to our consultation asked for the test to move back to primary schools so that children can benefit from being at ease in a familiar environment and I’m glad that all of our schools have supported this."