A controversial new admissions policy will guarantee places at Braintree secondary schools for pupils living outside the town and not those living closest to the school.
Essex County Council yesterday approved proposals that children living in the outlying areas of a school's traditional catchment area will be guaranteed a place at their catchment school - despite protests from parents.
Remaining places will be allocated by priority to children living in the town section of the catchment area with a sibling at the school, those within the town section of the school's traditional catchment area, children outside the catchment area with a sibling at the school, and any remaining applications.
Despite continuing objections from parents with children at John Ray Junior and Infant schools and some residents in the Notley High School area, all three Braintree secondary schools expressed support for the changes.
Meryl Lawrence, spokeswoman for the Notley Admissions Action Group, said: "We are extremely disappointed. It is going to be upsetting for the children who don't get in to the school of their choice that they are within walking distance of. There will be trouble ahead for Essex County Council."
The changes will be introduced in September 2005.
Published Tuesday December 16, 2003
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