Welcome to your local community website...
Shake-up of secondary schools system
Another shake-up of the controversial catchment areas for grammar schools has been proposed.
It is largely thought to impact on pupils in Prestwood, who could now go to the Royal Grammar School instead of Dr Challoner's Grammar School in Amersham or Chesham High School if they pass their 11 plus exam
The decision has come about after it became clear that Dr Challoner's Grammar School and Royal Grammar School are currently not able to meet the catchment demands on them.
Both schools have struggled to meet demand from boys in Gerrards Cross and Denham, as well as Prestwood, and this has resulted in Bucks County Council (BCC) beginning an eight week consultation period on the changing of the catchment areas.
Wine buyer Carol Hazlehurst, 44, from Overhampden, Prestwood, who has two sons at Challoner's, said the suggested consultation had "left her in two minds about the issue."
"It was a tussle to get my sons into Challoner's and the criteria for selection appears to have been tightened still further this year, " she said.
"At Challoner's, though, they still operate the sibling rule but there have been suggestions that this could change at some point."
Businessman Alex Eaden, 57, of Wycombe Road, Prestwood, said: "This is a complex issue. Wycombe is a different environment to Challoner's."
Becoming part of the RGS catchment area, as suggested by the consultation, would mean that travel to and from school would not have to be born by families in the village.
To comment on the consultation exercise call 01296 383250. The relevant documentation may be obtained by emailing admissions@buckssoc.gov.uk.
County cabinet member Councillor Marion Clayton, who handles the achievement and learning portfolio at County Hall, said: "I would encourage all parents to respond to this consultation."
We'd like to hear from you. Send your stories, pics and videos
Leave a comment