More bids for school places
Tuesday March 9, 2010
The number of parents applying for secondary school places for their children in Hammersmith & Fulham has increased this year.
H&F cabinet member Sarah Gore said: "The number of parents in the borough applying for places in our schools is up, which reflects their growing popularity."
Places have been offered to more pupils living in the borough than last year and, while the percentage of pupils getting into their first-choice school was down slightly at 55 per cent this year, 80 per cent got one of their top three choices.
This is the same as last year. Eighty-six per cent of pupils were offered one of their preferred choices.
Cllr Gore added: "This year's GCSE exam results were up 8.5 per cent, with the most dramatic increase coming at Fulham Cross Girls' School where there was an increase of 22 per cent of pupils achieving five or more A*-Cs, including English and Maths.
"We want to continue to ensure that more local pupils get into their top-choice school next year and beyond.
"The radical improvements in secondary schools are now producing benefits for parents and pupils."
The most popular schools in the borough are being expanded and the brand new Hammersmith Academy, which opens in 2011, will mean more available places.
All secondary schools have exciting plans for refurbishment and these include expansion of Lady Margaret, Sacred Heart and Fulham Cross by
150 places in each school.
Other changes in the borough are bringing positive changes, such as the new federation between Fulham Cross and Henry Compton schools, which includes a new drama centre and a language building.
Sixth forms are also being introduced into every school in the borough. Parents who did not get the place they had hoped for have been advised in a letter that they have the right to appeal the decision, and have also been told where there may still be places available.
Help and advice is available through the council's admissions service on: 020 8753 2627 or 020 8753 3628 or 020 8753 3664, or via email: school.admissions@lbhf.gov.uk.
