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Parents Should Choose Schools, not Schools Choose Parents

February 2, 2009 10:06 AM
Nigel Rock - Prospective Candidate for Kenilworth and Southam

Nigel Rock PPC

Nigel Rock, Lib Dem PPC for Kenilworth & Southam and district councillor for Stockton Napton & Shuckburgh ward, has been fighting on behalf of local parents against proposed admission changes by Rugby grammar schools. He was quoted on the BBC Coventry & Warwickshire Breakfast show this morning, which also featured extensive interviews with concerned local parents.

Rugby grammar schools have for many years included areas in Northamptonshire in their 10 mile catchment radius, but a recent ruling has been made by central government about how this can be calculated. In responding to this ruling, the County Council is proposing not only to exclude Northamptonshire addresses in future, but also a whole swathe of Warwickshire parishes.

John Whitehouse

Cllr John Whitehouse

What is now clear is that the county officers' proposals took everyone by surprise, including the Conservative portfolio Holder at the County Council! It was only because local residents in Napton contacted Nigel Rock, and he then asked Cllr. John Whitehouse (Lib Dem county spokesperson for Children, Young People & Families) to pursue the matter, that the problem came to light.

A consultation process has now started and which closes on Friday 6th March. Nigel Rock says: "No one needs to be complacent about opposing these changes and people do need to respond to the consultation, but I am fairly hopeful we can keep the present arrangements of local choice."

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