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Dear Parents, You may well have read in the local newspapers that Herts. Education Committee has challenged the Admission Criteria agreed by Chancellors Governing Body in March of this year. A summary of the criteria is as follows: Siblings We
came to our decision after a consultation process involving the Education Committee,
primary schools within three miles of the school and the Local Admissions Forum. The
comments and concerns emerging from this process were carefully noted, as were the
regulations set out in the Government’s ‘Code of Practice - School
Admissions’. At
the same time, however, we were determined, as far as we were able, to maintain the
criteria necessary to support the character and the future development of the School, for
it is these that have helped build the reputation of the School. We
believe that the amendments we have made to the previous criteria both comply with the
Code of Practice and recognise some of the concerns expressed to us. Unfortunately,
the newspaper reports appear to present as facts, the voiced opinions of the Chairman of
Education; opinions, which we believe, will not be upheld in due course. Nevertheless,
readers have been encouraged to support these opinions by writing to the Schools
Adjudicator. If,
like us, you believe Chancellors should be allowed to maintain its present popular
character, as a platform to its future enhancement and development, then we invite you to
give us your support by writing to: The
Office of the Schools, Adjudicator, quoting
the reference ADAI00027 Should
you decide to support us in this way, we set out below a number of points, any of which
you may choose to use in your letter. It
is important you compose your own letter stressing the points that are most important to
you and your child. Such letters will add weight to the formal submission to the
Adjudicator by your Governing Body. 1) Chancellor’s
School is extremely popular and successful because of its distinctive nature. The current
admission arrangements support and maintain this special character. The amendments that
have been made after due consultation are such as to meet valid concerns yet continue to
support both the special character and the long-term development plan. 2) The School is over
subscribed precisely because its character and standard of achievement are what parents
want. The remedy for the disappointment felt by unsuccessful applicants cannot be to
remove the very qualities that led them to apply in the first place. 3) The
Government has declared itself more concerned with success than with organisation and
structures. A change in the structure of admissions could affect the School’s success
and its contribution to the success of schools in Mid-Herts. 4) Most local schools
have developed or maintained a distinctive ethos and character, allowing most parents
effective choice. Parents do not wish to see this diversity reduced or their rights to
choose restricted. 5) There
has always been an abundance of talented pupils in Drama, Music and Sport. Pupils with
ability in these areas are attracted to Chancellor’s because these specialisms are
well catered for. Using its own resources, the School has just completed building a
Performing Arts block and a second gymnasium. Pupils should be allowed to continue to
apply under a special category. 6) In 1996, a brand new
Technology block was built which allowed the School’s strength in Technology, Design
and Information Technology to flourish. Pupils with ability and aptitude in these areas
should be allowed to continue to apply under a specialist category. 7) Chancellor’s
has never used any kind of written test for entry to any of its specialist categories. The
current methods used for assessing aptitude and ability in Drama. Music, Sport and
Technology are effective and need not be replaced by requiring prospective pupils to take
tests. I
know you will give this matter your consideration and hope you will give us your support. Please
head your letter ‘Chancellor’s Admissions Criteria for September 2000’
and send it off before 12th July, 1999. HELP US TO HELP FUTURE PARENTSYours
sincerely, G. Shiells Related
Stories Do you think Chancellor's new admission criteria is fair? Should Chancellor's be challenged or do you think the new system is better? Have Your Say
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