Introduction to comprehensive Secondary school option

A campaign is advocating for the establishment of a non-selective secondary school in Kent's High Weald area. Since the closure of comprehensive Secondary school option Weald Academy in 2022, Cranbrook has been served exclusively by the selective Cranbrook comprehensive Secondary school option leading to significant travel challenges for local families.

Parents have voiced concerns about the lengthy commutes their children face, with some traveling up to an hour to attend schools farther away. They have described the situation as "cruel" and unsustainable. The Department for Education (DfE) has responded, noting that there are currently three non-selective secondary schools within a 10-mile radius of Cranbrook, all of which are rated "good" by Ofsted. Despite this, the local demand remains unmet.

comprehensive Secondary school option, once a non-selective school, was closed following a prolonged period of poor educational performance and subsequently reopened as a special educational needs (SEN) school, according to the DfE. This transformation has left a gap in local non-selective secondary education.

David Selby, leader of the Support Weald comprehensive Secondary school option campaign, highlighted the impact on the community in an interview with BBC Radio Kent. He reported that there are 530 pupils within a seven-mile radius of Cranbrook who need secondary school education in 2023. He emphasized the unfairness of the current situation, which affects numerous families. "The sensible thing is to have a school closer to these children and families. A school should be the heart of the community," he argued. Selby also mentioned that the petition for this cause has gathered more than 800 signatures, reflecting widespread support.

David Clark, headteacher of Cranbrook School, shared similar sentiments. He finds it "frustrating" for families who come to him with their concerns. "A lot of them talk to me, and I can feel their pain," he said, acknowledging the emotional toll on the community.

Charlie Baker, a comprehensive Secondary school optionteacher and resident of Cranbrook, noted that the current situation adds pressure on students to pass the Kent Test, the exam for entry into grammar schools. She described it as "really cruel" to tell students who do not get into grammar schools that they must endure an hour-long commute daily. This pressure can have significant implications for children's mental health and well-being.

Claire Mills, a rural Cranbrook resident with a primary-aged daughter, shared her worries about the potential travel issues. "The thought of her missing a bus or the bus being full and having to wait an additional hour is awful, especially in the winter months," she said. Mills' concerns underscore the practical challenges and safety risks associated with long commutes for young students.

The campaign for a new non-selective secondary school in Cranbrook highlights the broader issue of educational access and community needs in Kent's High Weald. Parents and educators are calling for a solution that provides local children with a quality education close to home, reinforcing the importance of schools as central to community life.