Sutton Trust report could lead to “free for all for schools”
NASUWT General Secretary Chris Keates said:
“Whilst selecting pupils on the basis of banding or a lottery may seem, at first glance, fair and attractive, it masks a number of potentially adverse consequences in a system in which there is a free for all for schools to set their own admissions arrangements.
“While a system of banding in one school may lead to a more balanced intake for that particular school, it can have profound consequences on other local schools who then may feel under pressure to change their admissions arrangements.
“Allowing a significant proportion of schools to determine their own admissions leads to a chaotic system in which children, families and the taxpayer may lose out.
“Some pupils may not be able to get into their local school, some parents are faced with uncertainty and possibly significant costs of transporting their child across to a school some distance away. Local authorities may find they are using public money to subsidise the considerable travel costs that can arise from the current admissions system.
“What is needed is an overarching, coordinating body, a role traditionally played by local authorities, to ensure fair admissions across a large area.
“It should also be noted that evidence demonstrates that parents when asked are more concerned about ensuring their children have a choice of high quality learning offers provided through a good local school than being forced to choose between different schools.”
Ben Padley,
Press and Media Officer,
Campaigns and Communications,
NASUWT
Hillscourt Education Centre
Rednal
Birmingham
B45 8RS
Direct Line: 0121 457 6269
Mobile: 07785 463 119
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