FH Mum

We are in effect 'lucky' in this part of Lewisham at the moment in that the massive demand for school places means that new schools can be accommodated without necessarily having a detrimental effect on other schools (which may well be what happens where this is not the case and an over provision of places means less pupils and money for some schools).

However, the openness and engagement of these new schools with the areas they serve is critical. As is the admissions criteria. On this matter I think it would be really helpful to understand how you see the admissions working?

I am keen that if there are going to be new schools, as well as expanded existing schools that this is done in an open and consultative way and I would really appreciate a better understanding of how you envisage this working for Primrose Primary. I am concerned that there are a lot of people getting their hopes up about a new school, when in reality they will only stand a chance of getting a place if they live very close to where it ends up being located?

For most schools in the forest Hill area you need to live less than 700m from the school (and in some cases less than 300m) to get a place, and with numbers as they are I don't see this changing.

And if the criteria isn't distance? Then what will it be?

(Sorry if this information is in your Proposal but I haven't had a chance to read it)