Dear Sir,

School admissions seems to be the latest victim of the Reading‘s ‘success‘ and quest for city status. As the town grows and more people come to the area attracted by job, our education infrastructure simply cannot cope. The equal preference system works reasonably, as long as there are enough places, but with a lack of them - as we currently have - it works badly and raises the stress levels of those involved immensely.

For parents in East Reading it gets worse by the year. The closure of Ryeish Green puts pressure on other Wokingham secondaries - that provide places for Reading children - such as Bulmershe and Maiden Erleigh. Reading Council has secured places for Reading children in these schools till 2009, but 2010 onwards is uncertain.

I therefore welcome the review into school admissions that was announced by the council recently. I also hope that they will look into the pressures put on schools and residents by the Council‘s city status ambitions.

Your sincerely

Rob White
Green Party Park Ward Campaigner
www.readinggreenparty.org.uk

8 Mandela Court, Orts Road, Reading.