Debate: Secondary school admissions

What should parents look for in a Secondary School?
I would say choose the right school for the child, what is right for one child may not necessary be the right school for another one. Come into the school and see it for yourself. All schools have a different feel and a different ethos, and parents must consider which school would be best for the individual child.
I would encourage parents to look at the OFSTED report, it doesn't tell the whole story, but it can give an indication. Exam results are also important, but it is quite a complex area, parents must look at it carefully and pick out key information.

Are extra-curricular activities important?
Yes, parents should look at what opportunities the school offers, whether this be music, art, drama or sport, what is on offer outside academics is very important. Most schools offer good programmes, but parents should look at which will suit their particularly child.

As a headteacher, what question are you most commonly asked?
Parents want to know if there is any bullying that goes on, that will always be a concern, when a child is going from a small primary school to a big secondary. They want to know if a child will be supported through their education, so they can do as well as they can. Communication is also important, parents like to be informed of what the school is doing.

How does admission policy work?
At Barnhill we have a system the same as all schools in Hillingdon. Parents come to see the schools at open evenings, then start to make decisions and fill out a form which goes to the local authority. The the application form, the parents should select six different schools, in order of preference, the local authority then receives the forms and does its best to give everybody their first choice.

How important is where you live?
Catchment areas no longer exist, although it is a phrase which is used now and again. Siblings have a priority first, and then it comes down to where you live. Admissions depend on which preference you put the school as. If a school has 240 places and 240 select it as first choice then that works, but if 300 select it then it becomes over-subscribed and criteria comes into place. Students with siblings at a school take priority, then it comes down to where you live. Children who are being looked after, in foster care or children's homes, actually get first priority over everybody, although in terms of numbers, they are a very small minority.

How far in advance should parents start preparing?
They should start to think about secondary schools when a child is in Year 5. Parents have to make a decision this year before October 23 which is quite early on. You should really be thinking about it in Year 5 and through the year, and it is important for the child to see it early to and adjust to the idea of what a secondary school is like.

How much of a say does the local authority have?
They have very strict rules over admissions. There was a big controversy nationally because it was seen there was a small minority of schools who weren't being fair, so rules have tightened for all schools. Some schools sought to interview students- which is not allowed, or to meet parents as a requirement, which is not allowed. Some schools were also asking for photographs of students which is not allowed either. It now allows for a better system, and there is no room for subjectivity. The theory was that schools were favouring children from middle class backgrounds at the cost of children from deprived areas.

What about appeals?
If you do not get into your school of choice, you can appeal on certain grounds. What has changed this year is that appeals are heard by independent governors, rather than governors of the school, which makes for a fairer more impartial process. Policy is important, so it has to be followed.

How has the process changed over the past few years?
One particular change is in the social equality agenda, there is still a big gap between those from affluent backgrounds and those who are not, in terms of educational attainment. They are seeking to bring up the achievements of those from more deprived backgrounds to a higher standard. The rules have tightened up to make it more of a blind process without any prejudices over the last 12 months. Its tricky to judge how it will affect the process as a whole yet, but personally I feel it is for the better.

For more information on secondary school admissions, parents should visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk