Brian Jordan, Headteacher from Bebington High School
A TEACHER last night called for parents to be stripped of their right to choose their children’s schools.
The controversial call comes as the Daily Post can reveal thousands of pupils again failed to get into their first choice secondary school.
Provisional 2009 figures show that, although more parents than ever appear to have landed the secondary school of choice, thousands more have lost out and unless they overturn the decision on appeals face sending their children to a secondary they perceive as less desirable.
And, although 100% of parents who put Bebington High as their first choice were successful, headteacher Brian Jordan last night said the time had come to scrap parental preference all together.
He told the Daily Post: “Don’t get me wrong, this not a Bebington High issue.
“And I know parents will say they want to be able to choose where they send their kids to, and I understand that.
“But I believe the system drives wedges between education establishments. I believe we should provide a first choice education at all our schools.”
He said each community should have one campus serving children throughout their schooling, from the ages of five right through to 19, with special schools, nurseries, primaries and secondaries side by side.
Parents would send their children to the nearest community school.