Action group calls for consultation over places

A SEVENOAKS group of parents is campaigning for more consultation on what type of secondary school Sevenoaks needs.

Mum Amanda Manuel, who leads the group Sevenoaks Action for Community Education, said she was aware of the online petition on Kent County Council's website to establish a grammar school in the town. She said welcomed any effort to reduce competition for secondary places.

But she added: "We do however also believe that it is important to raise awareness among parents of the complex issues that operate within the Sevenoaks area when it comes to the allocation of secondary school places.

"We want to do this through consultation and open events, to be followed by a properly conducted survey."

She added: "Sevenoaks ACE is not interested in putting forward an alternative secondary school proposal.

"It wants sufficient capacity in Sevenoaks to meet the needs of the whole community.

"This may involve a mix of grammar, faith and non-selective education."

The group will be distributing a survey to parents in the New Year on what they want in a new secondary school.