A NUMBER of parents in Bromsgrove have been left disappointed after their children did not get into their first choice middle school.
According to Worcestershire County Council, a total of 191 applications have been made for Aston Fields Middle School despite only 150 places being available, leading to children missing out.
The school, rated as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted in its most recent inspection, was heavily oversubscribed for this September.
One concerned parent contacted The Standard after his son was accepted into Parkside Middle School despite the family living close to Aston Fields.
He said: “I think it is awful, there are a lot of disappointed parents out there.
“We live within five minutes of the school, yet my son will have to walk across the A38.
“It doesn’t make any geographical sense and doesn’t look out for student safety.
“We moved into the area which was a lot of stress and this is just another blow, there are a lot of families who are in the same position. The system needs to be changed.”
Worcestershire County Council said parents could appeal the decision.
A spokesperson added: “We recognise some parents were left disappointed finding out their child did not get a place at their first choice of school.
“The way places are allocated are in strict accordance with Worcestershire County Council’s oversubscription criteria.
“Any parent refused a place may ask for their child to be placed on a waiting list and they may also appeal against the decision.
“The information on how to appeal has been passed onto each parent who was not successful.”
