It Takes a City to Educate Its Children - Your Voice Matters

Brighton & Hove's Schools Are Changing. Be part of our city's ongoing journey to create a fairer system.

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Brighton & Hove needs you to help shape the future of our schools. The council's consultation on school admissions is open until January 31st, and every response matters. Like last year's groundbreaking free school meals policy, these proposed changes are part of an ongoing journey - one where we acknowledge uncertainties, learn from evidence, and adapt together as a city. Your voice is vital in creating a fairer education system.

Click here to take part in the consultation.

Why Your Response Matters:

  • These changes will shape our city's schools for years to come

  • Every perspective helps create better solutions

  • This is an iterative process that needs your input

  • The consultation closes January 31st - don't miss your chance to be heard

What’s being proposed?

This month, the council published a new proposal they believe will make the admissions system more equitable. They are now asking for residents to share their views over the next eight weeks.

If approved, the proposed changes will:

  • Revise catchment areas: Whitehawk will be moved into the Dorothy Stringer/Vardean catchment area, and parts of Kemp Town and Manor Hill will be moved into the Longhill High School catchment area.

  • Provide greater school choice: Families in catchment areas with only one school will gain the right to apply for up to 20% of places at oversubscribed schools in other catchment areas.

  • Increase priority for Free School Meals (FSM) students: The percentage of places reserved for children eligible for FSM in oversubscribed schools will rise from 25% to 30%.

  • Reduce school places: Starting in September 2026, the number of school places available at Dorothy Stringer, Blatchington Mill, and Longhill High Schools will be reduced.

Further information about the consultation and the link to the survey where you can have your say can be found here.

What does Class Divide think about the proposal?

Class Divide is currently reviewing the proposals in detail and will announce our official position soon. Follow us on social media and sign up for our newsletter for updates.

We publicly supported taking these proposals to formal consultation - you can listen to our short speech outlining our reasons here.

Like last year's groundbreaking free school meals policy, we see this as part of an ongoing journey toward a fairer education system.

In supporting the consultation process, we recognise:

  • There are many unknowns - from how families will use new choices to the impact on different schools

  • This is an iterative process - the council can and will adapt policies based on real evidence

  • Success depends on our whole city working together, learning and evolving

Our core principles remain clear. We want:

  • A more socially diverse network of schools in the city

  • A system that prioritises children from low-income families, offering them greater choice of schools

  • All existing schools to have a better chance of thriving, even with declining student numbers

  • Action now - because further delays will harm children from the most disadvantaged families

Just as with the free school meals policy change, we believe in taking bold steps while remaining responsive to evidence and experience.

We recognise this feels uncertain for many families, and while there's no perfect solution, maintaining the current system isn't an option. The council is committed to monitoring outcomes and adapting based on real evidence - this is about building the foundations for long-term positive change.

This consultation is a vital opportunity for everyone in Brighton & Hove to help shape a fairer education system. Your voice matters in creating the kind of education system our city deserves.

How can you take part in the consultation?

Taking part in the consultation is straightforward. Visit this link to complete the online survey.

The form is simple to fill in and you can save your progress if you need to come back to it later. You don't need to answer every question - focus on the aspects that matter most to you.

You can also come to one of our events and get help filling in the form.

We also urge you to write to your local councillor, cc’ing Cllr Jacob Taylor and Cllr Bella Sankey, to show your support. We’ve created a simple page to help you do that. Click here.

The consultation is open until January 31st, 2024. If you would prefer to send your thoughts via email, need help completing the form or would prefer a paper copy, you can contact the council at

schoolorganisation@brighton-hove.gov.uk

Remember, every response matters in helping shape a fairer education system for Brighton & Hove.

What is Class
Divide doing next?

In the coming weeks, we will:

  • Review the proposals to ensure they align with our primary objectives, providing clear and balanced analysis.

  • Request additional data and information from the council

  • Organise community events and forums to discuss the proposals in detail. Check out our events page for details.

  • Release new podcast episodes that explore the issue of diverse schools.

  • Host forums for education professionals. Book a place here.

  • Work tirelessly to ensure all voices in the city are heard and that everyone feels empowered to contribute.

How can you support Class Divide?