to think that schools admissions aren't fair

[picklepud]

This is different from saying that I wouldn't go through the system if my child's local school had religious criteria, but I am feeling a bit sad and up in arms for a friend today. Same old story, her local school (primary) is c of E VA. She's not, and chose not to get baptised or go to church twice monthly. So now she will have to drive to her allocated school. So incidentally will many of the people who got in on religious grounds from way away. I really really would go to church for my dd to get into my local school, so I'm not criticising those who do, but I just don't think it should be necessary. Or that religious commitment should give you priority in a state school. And particularly that the vicar should not pretend for a minute that he (as he said in a newspapaper article) say that this is a school in the heart of the community serving all the children of the community.
I know, I know, some people might genuinely change through exposure to the church but I don't think it's the way for a church to expand its membership. sorry. and sorry it's so long.

25 doesn't sound too good, but some places in schools always become available, even after the start of term. However, it all depends on which schools you are talking about.

Have you tried the website, elevenplusexams.co.uk. It has a forum that gives county-specific advice, and you can ask about the particular schools you are interested in.

obviously haven't read the whole thread(just realised its been going on sonce January!) but has anyone suggested what would be a fair system because I really can't see a way to allocate places that would not be deemed unfair by some. The Gov of the time (whichever it is) allows you to express a preference, not a choice, as it is simply not physically possible to fit in an unlimited number of children to any given school. Also, if this were to happen the school would very likely start to go downhill anyway. Am interested in what people think should happen (and please don't say make all schools outstanding so it doesn't matter which they go to because that is a different question.) Given the current mix of faith schools and differently OFSTED graded schools, WWYD?

We are currently trying to move our child from a primary catholic school due to bullying and the affect this is having on their self-esteem and behaviour. The said school will not acknowledge the bullying and from our discussions with a number of different parents, within and outside the school, it would appear that this is not uncommon.

We have been shocked and saddened by what is happening and are desperate to transfer to another school whereby bullying is dealt with and not brushed under the carpet. The said school appears to see our child as the protagonist as opposed to the victim. Our child has verbal dyspraxia which they find very frustrating and I guess this is part of the reason for bullying by other children.

Has anyone any suggestions about schools in the West Wimbledon area that don't just pay 'lip service' to equality of opportunity and anti-bullying policies. At this stage we are considering non-faith schools as well as Cathoilc schools.

We would really appreciate any thoughts / ideas on the matter. www.mumsnet.com/te/3.gif

I haven't read the whole thread but my dc has been placed at a Catholic School, we are not Catholic but met other criteria (distance to school, Christened ect). We could only gain a place once all the Catholic children had been placed. It is a good school and I am happy he is going there, but we will not be changing our faith as I feel that would be hypocritical, although people have recommended we do as then he can go to the secondary Catholic school, which I do not want him to go to anyway. We are C of E, but we will respect teh faith of the school and teach our children to respect it too. If they want to be confirmed then we will encourage that, but in a C of E church. I worked in a C of E school and the criteria was church goers in catchment followed by children living in catchment then church goers out of catchment. This was a fair way of doing it as the children in the village then had priority over others from out of the village.