Letters

SCHOOL PLACES

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23 March 2012

We are writing in response to your article on secondary school places in Southwark ("Every child placed at a Secondary", Thursday 8 March).

We wish to correct the inaccuracies in your figures . The article states that last year the council received 4,288 applications when in fact there were 2,541. The number of applications received this year was broadly the same - 2,436.

Your piece also mentions that a total of 287 families received a place at a school not listed as a preference this year when the actual number was in fact 195.

The council has secured a secondary school place for every child who applied for a secondary school place - and 91% got one of their stated choices - up on last year's figures.

We understand how disappointed parents are if they do not get their first choice of school - nearly a third of parents gave their first preference to just three schools. The council is providing information and support to parents to ensure they are able to consider all options available to them.

It’s important to note that Southwark’s secondary schools are performing well - three-quarters are good or outstanding according to Ofsted and last year's GCSE results were the borough's best ever, and above national average.

Councillor Renata Hamvas, Deputy Cabinet Member for Families
Catherine McDonald, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services
Southwark Council.
* The figures used in our article were based on figures provided by Southwark Council. Ed

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