Academy head says 'don't just write us off'

THE head of The Skinners' Kent Academy this week called on parents to "open their minds" after 114 youngsters who passed the 11-plus failed to get a place at grammar school.

Thousands of Kent families eagerly awaited news of where their children would be going to school this week, and about 80 per cent of them got their first choice.

But others were furious when their children were given a place at the new Tunbridge Wells academy, which replaced Tunbridge Wells High School, despite having passed their 11-plus.

Margaret Wooder, whose grandson was hoping for a place at Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys after 11-plus success, said: "There's no way he's going there. He's better than that. It's not a place for someone who has passed their 11-plus.

"He did his bit by doing so well in his exam but the county is letting him down."

Instead, the boy, along with at least three of his classmates, has been offered a place at the academy."

But academy principal Sian Carr said on Wednesday: "I can understand people's anxiety but at least come and have a look at what we're doing.

"The problem is people are thinking of a closed school. Tunbridge Wells High School closed at the end of August.

"We opened on September 1 last year. We may have the old buildings and some of the staff but we've a new vision.

"We're only six months into putting our vision into practice and we're doing well. People need to open their minds."

She encouraged prospective students and their parents to come and look at the school.

The revelation that more than 500 children from outside Kent, particularly from East Sussex, had gained places at Kent's grammar schools only added salt to the wound for people like Mrs Wooder, who added: "It seems the message is that if you want to go to grammar school in Kent, live in East Sussex."

Edenbridge parents Stuart and Liz Money are also angry their twins Isobel and Milly missed out on spots at Weald of Kent Grammar School, instead being offered places at The Skinners' Kent Academy.

Mrs Money said: "We've said we are not accepting it. We are not sending them there. Weald is our closest grammar school."

The children were among 16,000 Kent students who received their offer letters on Monday. For 114 children, even passing their 11-plus was not enough to get them into any of their chosen schools.

Sarah Hohler, cabinet member for children, families and education, said: "For those parents who have not been offered the school they hoped for, we would urge them to visit the school they have been offered, speak to the teachers and get a feel for that school.

"If the parents are still not happy they can join the waiting lists for their preferred schools and they can also appeal."