Horsham and Billingshurst pride themselves on their local schools and Horsham’s 6th form college and are right to do so. They are hotly sought after and for good reason.
In addition to well established popular schools, Bohunt Horsham as a new school (pupils sitting GCSEs for the first time thus summer) and Forest which has transformed since going Co-Ed, have really made their marks.
Over 1260 places have been offered by Good and Outstanding schools in Horsham and Billingshurst to pupils for whom they were a top 3 preferred school. The number of places offered reflected the effort to expand the Co-Ed year groups to meet more demand.
There were though, despite all these efforts, a number of children who were allocated a place at a school not on their preferred list. This can be deeply upsetting for those affected and creates the stress of the appeal process. I am keen to hear from all constituents who are in that position.
The reality is that while Bohunt, Forest, Tanbridge and Weald are oversubscribed, Millais is undersubscribed with over 130 places not taken up or allocated to pupils for whom Millais was not a top 3 choice. Millais has a unique offer which is popular among some parents - some of whom are prepared to travel to secure this particular ethos and opportunity for their daughters.
Notwithstanding this, given the circumstances, it’s inevitable and appropriate that County launches its consultation.
The consultation must be genuine, fair and considered. Millais is a unique proposition and a choice that some really value. Alongside it I want County to explore options for expanding Co-Ed provision: this is particularly pertinent to The Weald but that may not be the only option.
I was thrilled when after a long campaign and a real battle we secured and completed Bohunt Horsham. I have been very clear that in my view the current pace of build out of housing around our area is not appropriate given our water scarcity. I will be saying so to the Inspector.
However we must be in no doubt that additional building would likely require new schools on which, as in the past, I am determined to deliver.