To think that schools with specialist status should reserve some places for children who actually show talent/ enthusiasm for the specialism

[ReallyTired]

Ds's school has specialist status in performing arts and music. It has fanastic opportunities for children who excel in that area. However all places are allocated on distance. There are lots of children who are really talented/ show enthusiam at acting and music who could benefit from the opportunities.

What is the point of having state secondary school having specialist status in particular subjects if children with talent, ablity or demonstratable enthusiasm in the specialism who live nearby but not in the stupidly small catchment selection by house price can't benefit?

How can be right that one school has lots of orchestras, music groups, acting opportunities and another school close by has very little. Surely all children who can benefit should have access to the same opportunities. It is not right that the opportunities avaliable to a child is dependent on catchment rather than ablily/ potential.

[saintlyjimjams]

Yes I know bonkers. And that's why they're not really specialist schools as such (opportunities but not necessarily open to the kids who would most benefit and raise the standard even higher).

[saintlyjimjams]

I think schools mainly applied for extra money though didn't they? (Might be wrong).