3:28pm Thursday 8th January 2009
By John Harrison
Battling villagers have forced the county council to introduce a set of improvements to controversial school admissions rules for Bovingdon youngsters.
Hertfordshire County Council has opened a consultation process after proposing a series of alterations to the current system, which often leaves Bovingdon primary school pupils failing to get any of their chosen schools.
The council has proposed the introduction of a “local admission arrangement” following concerns in village.
The changes mean children would be considered for both Hemel Hempstead School and also for Kings Langley School.
The proposal read: “The priority are six, covering Bovindgon, would be split into two, with Bovingdon overlapping into both priority area instead of one to improve parents' access to local schools.”
The consultation comes after a long battle by parents in the village to improve the system for Bovingdon children.
Keith Emsall, member for education, said: “Given how complex our admission arrangements are and how many children we are placing I think we are doing a pretty good job.
“However, there are a few areas we need to improve on and we’ve been listening to community groups and talking to families and schools.
“Securing the right school place means a great deal to parents and the county council is trying to make the system as fair as possible for everyone.”
To have your say on the consultation, that runs until March 1, log on to www.hertsdirect.org/csfconsultations.
Written responses should be sent to School Admissions Consultation, Hertfordshire County Council, Admissions and Transport, Room 35, County Hall, Hertford, SG13 8DF.
The results will apply to the 2010/11 school year and will be considered by the council's cabinet on March 16 before going before being voted on by the full county council on March 31.
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