| |
Education ‘priorities’
• OUR consultation on the possibility of a priority zone has only just concluded and that the move is in no way decided (Priority school places plan under fire, November 5).
The executive will consider the consultation outcome on December 9 and decide whether to enter a second round of more formal consultation.
We began an informal public consultation on the idea during September and asked residents, schools and all other interested parties to express their views. At this stage we are still collating the results but early indications show that opinion on the introduction of a priority zone is split with 45 per cent of respondents in favour, 35 per cent opposed and 20 per cent not expressing a view.
The proposal for a priority zone aimed to give applicants from the Holborn and Covent Garden ward greater confidence about the chance of getting a place in their nearest Camden secondary school, should they wish to apply for one. This choice will, of course, rest with the parents but could also mean more primary pupils stay together when moving to secondary school. We have also examined whether or not there would be any merit in extending the priority zone to include the Bloomsbury ward and we could also look at the option if it were needed.
We are working hard to make sure education in Camden is as good as it can be through our exciting Building Schools for the Future plans but we also need to review our processes regularly and test new ideas and alternative methods to keep our systems up to date and fit to cope with the future.
The demand for a school south of the Euston Road is not being ignored either. We have been working with the campaign group and have taken a decision to designate the Wren Street site either for a school, subject to the identification of need, or for commercial redevelopment.
If we can demonstrate to the government that we have sufficient need for a school in the area the beyond 2016 then we will move the proposal forward and make a case to the government.
Providing excellent learning opportunities in Camden schools across the borough is a top priority for the council.
Cllr Andrew Mennear
Executive Member for Schools
|
 |
|
|
|
| |
| |
