Uncertainty remains about the 2008 and 2009 admissions processes for the Howard of Effingham; our only local secondary school. The Keep Horsley in the Howard Action Group (KHitH) needs your support and involvement.

2008

The schools adjudicator upheld the objections KHitH made and directed Surrey County Council (SCC) to put in place arrangements which ensured that Horsley children had access to the Howard. The Adjudicator directed that SCC could prioritise admission for children at six partner schools ( including the Raleigh) , but in the case of oversubscription, should look at the distance from a child’s home to its nearest alternative school to the Howard and give priority to those children who would have furthest to travel to their nearest alternative school. Horsley children at a partner school would have priority over those closer to Therfield school.

The parents of some children in Fetcham and Bookham, have told the Adjudicator that they intend to challenge his decision, claiming that the process followed was flawed. If it is found that the process used was flawed, the Adjudication process for 2008 may need to re-run. KHitH believes that we continue to have a strong case and that even with a different process the outcome would be the same, but we cannot be complacent.

2009

SCC has decided to consult on a proposal for 2009 admissions to the Howard which uses the nearest alternative school oversubscription tie-breaker determined by the Adjudicator. SCC proposes that applications will be prioritised from children for whom the Howard is their nearest school. The partner school concept would not apply. In the event of oversubscription a nearest alternative school tie-breaker as for 2008 would be used. KHitH supports SCC’s recommendation and will be participating in the upcoming consultation and asking stakeholders to support it.

The Fetcham/Bookham action group is mobilising support to object to SCC’s recommendation. They propose that proximity to the Howard should be the determining factor . This has no regard to the fact that Horsley children have no other local school.

What can you do?

If you feel strongly about ensuring your children have access to their only local secondary school, get involved:

· KHitH welcomes new members. Please contact Melanie McLaren (01483 283173) or Steve Beaumont (01483 283031).

· Respond to the 2009 consultation. We will let you know soon how the consultation will be happen.

· Donate to our fund for legal advice. Details on the website.

· Year 5 parents attend KHitH’s meeting about 2009 admissions, details of which will be published soon