Councillors to discuss possibility of Sevenoaks grammar school

Councillors in Sevenoaks are to discuss the possibility of extending one of the region's existing grammar schools.

An online petition calling for the expansion has attracted the attention of Kent County Council, which will speak about the viability of such a project in a full council meeting later this week.

It is thought that any such move would be associated with the nearest grammar school in Tonbridge Wells. If approved, the project could make the properties for rent in Sevenoaks a lot more appealing to those with children. Currently, children living in the region wishing to attend grammar schools have to travel at least 15 miles a day to so.

Speaking to BBC News, Kent County Council leader Paul Carter claimed he would love to see the proposals come to fruition.

He said: "At the moment there a number of parents of young people that have passed the 11-plus with no current places in grammar schools in west Kent because of that under-provision.

"This is the opportunity to deal with the under-provision side of grammar school places and build a four-form entry - 120 places per year group school in Sevenoaks."

According to The Press Association, ministers have denied such a project would signal an increase in school selection.

Posted 29-03-2012
Author: Joe Elvin