Crewe and Nantwich MP Connor Naismith has thrown his support behind a Nantwich dad who highlighted the growing fears over secondary school capacity in the town.
We revealed how dad Sol Flamberg was unable to get his daughter into Brine Leas despite his sone getting a place and living just 150 yards from the school.
Mr Flamberg highlighted the growing issue of capacity after being told by Cheshire East Council that Brine Leas has the space to take up to 240 pupils in each year group but the academy could not afford to take number due to staff budget constraints.
His daughter now faces a 23-mile, 90-minte round trip to attend Sandbach High School – the nearest school with a place available.
And it emerged at least six more local families who were unable to get children into year 9 at Brine Leas are facing similar issues.
Mr Naismith told Nantwich News: “Sol is not the first parent to approach my office for guidance on inappropriate school placement for his children.
“Forcing kids to travel longer distances to get an education is extremely disruptive, especially when there’s a closer option within walking distance, and not least when it involves separating siblings.
“After learning of Sol’s family’s case, I wrote to the Department for Education and Cheshire East Council, noting the oversubscription prevalent in schools like Brine Leas, and seeking further information on the impact of future housebuilding on the lack of places.
“Families need to know what government – at both the national and local level – is doing to ensure that their children will receive an accessible education.
“I am aware that Cheshire East Council has received just under £17.1 million from the government to support the provision of new school places to September 2028.
“I will be writing to the council to understand exactly how this funding will be used to generate additional places in Nantwich and across our local area.
“There is also an additional responsibility which often goes unsaid; that of the property developers who are a significant partner in our housebuilding programmes.
“I know that Cheshire East Council are utilising Section 106 agreements and the Community Infrastructure Levy to secure these contributions for new school places.
“I know that Sol is in the process of establishing a working group between parents and key stakeholders across the education system in Nantwich.
“I look forward to being a part of that conversation and ensuring the community works together in the best interests of our students.
“I will continue to support families like Sol’s and advocate for a local education system that works for them.”
Mr Flamberg is due to meet with Brine Leas trust bosses and Cheshire East Council again this week.
The most sensible option is to get a school place offer then buy a house given this seems to be the norm
There’s actually plenty of secondary places in Nantwich for Nantwich residents. The issue is that schools like Brine Leas and Malbank are educating huge numbers of young people from Crewe. This is as a result of the LA chasing stats on parental preferences in the Yr6/7 transition period. Meanwhile, the schools in Crewe have lowered their total PANs over the last few years because of falling student numbers. There is capacity in Crewe if the LA choose to redirect Crewe residents to their local schools. I’d suggest an FOI to find out the % of students from Crewe educated in Nantwich.
home schooling is an answer, it’s not for all, but it really works well for some, my friend’s son is already 3 years ahead of others in his age group, and the social life is far better with his circle of home learners, its a community no bullies, no stress, just honest learning
The official DfE Published Admission Number (PAN) for Brine Leas Academy is 215 pupils for years 7 to 11. Where does Cheshire East get its figure of 240?
MP doing what he does best, latching on to causes to get him in the paper. My friend has been waiting MONTHS for a response from Connor Naismith on another issue not relating to this article…AND still waiting.
Hi Jonathan,
Unfortunately no, Brine Leas is oversubscribed in 4 out of 5 year groups, Malbank is full, and Shavington is the same. The only school that was able to offer Ana a Year 9 place was Sandbach, 12 miles away. My choice was either to leave my child without a school place or drive the round trip every day.
I just want my daughter to be able to go to school alongside her brother. The problem is that the Council believes there’s still capacity, while the school says it’s at breaking point. Because the Council’s figures show a higher “net capacity” than the school’s published admission number, they don’t see an issue and that prevents the school from qualifying for the funding it needs to expand.
It’s a stalemate and with all the new housing developments already factored into the Council’s forecasts, it’s worrying that at least six local families have already been turned away this year with, I fear, more to come. I’m happy to share the data I’ve collected and I’m looking for more support for a small working group to help resolve this for the town in case you’re interested in helping. Thanks for commenting.
Surely Malbank High School have space or even Shavington High School?
How about you lobbby your party to stop forcing ridiculous housebuilding targets on councils then Connor