The Messenger has learnt that 55 children can’t get into their local secondary school. The fact that Fir Vale School cannot fit in everyone from the catchment area, could be seen as good news as it shows the school is now successful and popular. But this is cold comfort to those families who would like to be there too.
I spoke to departing principal Hugh Howe, who was responsible for the turnaround of the school’s fortunes. He said, “There are children across the city who don’t get into their first choice school and Fir Vale School has been over subscribed for several years.” He explained that when parents apply to the school they are told about the statutory appeals procedure if they unhappy about the decision.
The PFI (Private Finance Initiative) school has a capacity for 700 students, although there are 723 registered, but the governors currently have no plans to expand. Having spoken to parents I realised that this is a very stressful time for families who are still waiting for appeal decisions. The fact that they didn’t want to jeopardise their positions by making a statement is telling enough.
Hugh Howe has announced his departure from Fir Vale School, and a new Head will take over in September. He told the Messenger, “It has been a privilege and an honour to have been involved with the evolution and development of the school. It has been a challenge, but I can’t believe how quickly time has passed. It’s been six years since the school opened. There is still room for improvement, but through education people can achieve their goals.”
Where previously children from Burngreave chose to travel to better schools across the city; now they are choosing Fir Vale, which is a real sign of success. But the lack of places means some children only have offers for the next nearest school, which are, like Fir Vale once was, bottom of the list. Slowly the LEA is putting more resources into our schools, but wouldn’t it be nice if everyone’s local school had Fir Vale’s reputation?
by Gaby Spinks
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