Tudor Grange bid to change admissions policy

TUDOR Grange Academy has moved to change its admissions policy to give priority to two primary schools, to concern from some parents.

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The school wants pupils at St Alphege C E Infant and Junior Schools and Tudor Grange Primary Academy St James in Shirley to get preference under the plans.

Presently the highest priority goes to looked after children, previously looked after children who are now adopted and those in exceptional circumstances then those in the catchment area.

But, under the new plans, those at the two primaries would get priority before those in the catchment area, with  some concessions (see below), from September 2014.

The school has the flexibility to change admissions arrangements as it has academy status.

The school said: “In January 2013, the Academy became the sponsor of Tudor Grange Primary Academy - St James, and has developed a partnership with St Alphege C E Infant  and Junior Schools.

“The academy believes that it is appropriate to reflect these relationships within its admission arrangements.”

In September 2011, two places went to the priority one category while 163 went to priorty two (catchment area), 22 went to priority (older sibling) and 63 went to priority four (living closest in a straight line from their home to the school).

An online petition is opposing the move and has 209 signatures and says 130 places will go to the two primary schools.

It says: “This means that being in the catchment area no longer guarantees your child a place.

“This change of policy will also impact other schools within the borough. Where are the rest of the catchment children going to go?

“It could also impact house prices within the Tudor Grange catchment area as this has always been a selling point to potential buyers.”

Views are sought by February 28 at consultation@tudor-grange.solihull.sch.uk.

The current policy:

Priority 1          

Children looked after by a Local Authority (in line with section 22 of the Children Act) and previously looked after children who are now adopted. Children whose exceptional circumstances can only be met by that particular school

Priority 2

Children who normally live in the catchment area of the school

Priority 3

Children who have an older brother or sister at the school at the same time

Priority 4

Children closest to the school, measured in a straight line from child’s home

For priority group 2, if there are more children wanting places than there are places available, we will offer places to children living in the catchment area in the following order.

1.         Children who have an older brother or sister at the school at the same time.

2.         Children going to one of the linked primary schools at the time of the application.

3.         Children living nearest the school, measured in a straight line from home to school.

For priority groups 3 and 4, when there are more children than places at the school available, those living nearest the school (measured in a straight line from home to school) will be offered places first.

The proposed policy:

Priority 1 

Children looked after by a Local Authority (in line with section 22 of the Children Act) and previously  looked after children who are now adopted.  Children whose exceptional circumstances can only be met by that particular school.

Priority 2

Children in Year 6 at Tudor Grange Primary Academy St James’ and St Alphege Junior School.

Priority 3

Children who normally live in the catchment area of the academy.

Priority 4

Children who have an older brother or sister at the academy at the same time.

Priority 5

Children closest to the academy, measured in a straight line from child’s home.

For priority group 3, if there are more children wanting places than there are places available, we will offer  places to children living in the catchment area in the following order.

1. Children who have an older brother or sister at the academy at the same time.

2. Children living nearest the academy, measured in a straight line from home to the academy.

For priority groups 4 and 5, when there are more children than places at the academy available, those living nearest the academy (measured in a straight line from home to the academy) will be offered places first.