The 11-16 school intake campaign

I have been made aware of the www.onethroughschool.org campaign since its launch.

As a parent of a child in a primary school likely to be affected and as somebody who has been through the local education system locally I obviously have first hand experience and a direct interest in the outcome of this debate.

At this stage I would like to see an evidence based campaign weighed against the potential upheaval, cost and disruption and changes required to make it happen. If the case is strong and there are no closure issues raised I am sure the case will gain support.

Before coming to any conclusions I think it is necessary to ask all of the stakeholders involved in the outcome of the proposed changes - parents, teachers, heads, governors, the LEA etc.

I will also be suggesting to the campaign that they need to focus on a wider area. I know from my experience that people travel across the constituency for education and it would be necessary to include Loughborough, Shepshed (complicated by 10+ admissions system) and the Soar Valley schools.

If this is to be moved forward I would like to see a full cost benefit analysis of the change and an impact assessment on each of the schools in my Loughborough constituency. Clearly changes would impact on Rawlins, Hind Leys and Burleigh for example and on the capital requirements at the other schools.

I look forward to an open debate on this issue and genuine have an open mind about its outcome both as an MP and as a parent of 2 children who will be subject to its outcome over the next few years.

I will join the forum at www.onethroughschool.org to help this debate along!!