Worcester Liberal Democrats Call for Urgent Action over School Places for Worcester Pupils

Worcester Liberal Democrats are urgently calling on the Reform Lead Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Education and Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities, Cllr Stephen Foster, to take immediate action to secure Worcester school places for the Worcester pupils offered spaces in Malvern schools.

Cllr Allcott has said it is deeply concerning that families in Worcester are being forced to consider school placements outside the city, placing unnecessary strain on children and parents alike. Long travel times resulting in additional logistical and financial pressures are unacceptable outcomes, for families who should reasonably expect access to education within their own city.

As parliamentary spokesperson for the Worcester Liberal Democrats, Cllr Mel Allcott is urging Cllr Foster to prioritise finding sufficient capacity within Worcester schools. This must include a thorough review of available spaces, engagement with local school leaders, and the exploration of all possible short-term and long-term solutions to ensure that children can be educated close to home, within their city.

Mel said ‘The transition from primary school to high school is a tough move for most children.  Breaking up their existing friendship groups and sending them to a school far from home and in no way one they expressed a preference for, is just cruel.  

Children suffered significantly in the pandemic, with unplanned last minute school closures and isolation from their peers.  The Conservative government at the time, clearly had other priorities, seemingly PPE contracts for contacts and Partygate.

The now Labour Government forced VAT charges on to private schools and those precious few places needed in Worcester schools would be available. Families just managing to pay school fees, would have continued to do so.  

Instead, they have had no choice but to make an unplanned move and move their children out of fee paying schools, away from their peers and friendship groups, into clearly already over full Worcester schools.’

Cllr Allcott has said she stands ready to work constructively with Worcestershire County Council officers, to address this issue and the situation requires urgent leadership and decisive action now.

ENDS