A NATIONALLY agreed selection policy for secondary education must be considered to avoid the admission chaos faced this year by children, parents and teachers policy, says the head of a leading Kent school.

John Mathews, head teacher at Chatham House Grammar School, Ramsgate, that topped the recent exam performance tables in Kent, says a unified decision is the only logical way to avoid the confusion that changes across Kent brought last autumn.

Kent County Council is considering four options for next year. Mr Mathews said: “I am in favour of any improvement to the chaos we faced when the education ombudsman changed the rules during the selection process.

“The logical option is for parents to have the results of the eleven plus test before any decision is made on what school to choose. The long term answer has to be a nationally agreed decision-making date for all.”

A settled and stable secondary admissions policy is “vital to avoid the chaos, worry and confusion” of last autumn said Jane Bennett, head teacher at Clarendon House Grammar, Ramsgate. She believes the proposed options are “too restrictive” and advocates “assessment before choices are made to allow time for a decision on a critical education matter".

Education reforms are going through Parliament and Mrs Bennett said: “There could soon be a whole new set of guidelines to adopt - what we all want is less disruption to the admissions system, not more.”

Brian Lippitt, principal at Hartsdown Technology College, Margate, said: “Proposed alterations to secondary selection is a highly complex and emotive issue. It is wise not to make any judgement until parents have all the available choices and schools have considered the educational implications of this far-reaching and important matter.”

The options include sitting the 11-plus test in late November, with all pupils told which school they are to go to on the same day in Januar; taking the test in November with all places allocated a month later; taking the test as they do in early January but for no places to be allocated at any secondary school until late February and for parents to complete an “unconditional” list for a place at a non-selective school or submit a “conditional” application, listing both selective and non-selective schools if they wished their child to enter the 11-plus.

Cllr Leyland Ridings, KCC cabinet member for schools organisation, said: “These options are designed to try and streamline the process for 2003. Given the timescale, it is probably the only thing we can do for admissions for next year.”

He hinted that KCC would be considering potentially radical changes for admissions in 2004. It is understood a “root and branch” review of Kent’s admissions policy is to be carried out.