Demand is high for school places in Kent

by political editor Paul Francis

Record numbers of parents in Kent appealed to secure a place at a primary school last year, official figures show.

The statistics underline the growing pressure and competition for places for primary-aged pupils across the county and pre-date problems that parents in some parts of the county experienced this year.

Around one in 15 parents in the county became involved in primary school appeals in 2010-11.

According to the Department for Education, there were 1,461 appeals to primary schools in Kent in 2010-11 - an increase of 13% on the previous year.

But while more appeals were allowed, the rate of success fell. Of the 958 appeals granted, just 162 were successful - about one in six - representing a drop of 28% in the success rate in 2009-10.

In contrast, there were fewer appeals for places at Kent's secondary schools in 2010-11.

According to the DfE, 1,526 parents lodged appeals - 890 fewer than the previous year. Of these, 1,305 were heard, fewer than the previous year and 563 were successful - less than half.

Kent County Council, which has faced criticism for failing to plan to meet rising demand, said it was doing all it could to respond to meet parents' wishes.

County education chiefs have faced calls to act over a shortage of places at popular primary schools this year.

Around 800 children missed out on securing a place at one of their three chosen schools this year although the bulk of parents did.

KCC has recently rubber-stamped its education masterplan that details how it intends to cope with the need for 10,000 primary school places over the next four years.

Cllr Mike Whiting (Con), cabinet member for education at KCC, said: "There is always a squeeze at popular schools and parents will always exercise their right to appeal.

"We are investing heavily in school places and increasing capacity. A number of factors have come into play, such as the rising population and parents' expectations about getting a place at a good local school."

But opposition Labour spokesman Cllr Les Christie said KCC had not acted swiftly to head off the problem of over-subscribed schools.

"Over the last two to three years there has been a switch, with many more parents in contact with me over primary school appeals when it used to be secondary school appeals."