A CAMPAIGN to stop school admission changes has been set up by a group of concerned parents.
Nicki Farnes, Rebecca Hyder and Sharon Harvey, created the Facebook group Redditch School Changes, calling for the retention of the current three-tier system.
As the Standard previously revealed, Tudor Grange Academy Redditch (TGAR) wants to expand to take pupils from the age of 11 and is currently consulting on taking in Year 7 and 8 pupils as early as September next year.
The move has led to several other middle and first schools to examine changing their own admission policies, including Walkwood Middle School where children from some of those involved in the campaign already attend.
With nearly 800 members in just over a week, the women say they created the group to give parents a voice.
Blue ribbons are also being worn by parents as sign of support for Walkwood Middle School which would be severely affected by the TGAR proposal.
Mrs Harvey said the group was neither for or against two-tier systems but wanted what was best for children in the town.
“We have a system which many parents believe works well and their children are happy, so why change it?” she said.
“We are not against a certain tier, but we want the best for our children and I believe that is how it is at the moment.
“The changes to Tudor Grange will not just impact one or two schools in the borough, parents need to realise this will change the whole
structure, and not necessarily for the better.”
Mrs Farnes added: “We just want as many parents as possible to get involved and voice their opinions.
“It’s not about who is right or wrong, but letting the schools know what you want for your child, what you believe is best for them.
“So please write those letters to schools consulting, fill out forms, get on Twitter and come to the meetings.”
Search Redditch School Changes on Facebook for more information.
Parents can respond to TGAR’s proposal by writing to Tudor Grange Academy, Woodrow Drive, Redditch, B98 7UH or email [email protected] by Friday, June 20. A public meeting is also being held at the school on Tuesday, June 10 between 7pm and 8pm.
