Proposals to give FSM children more choice in school admissions
We are delighted to announce that proposals to create a new priority category of Free School Meals (FSM) in secondary school admissions was agreed by councillor’s at Brighton & Hove City Council’s Children, Young People and Schools committee yesterday. (Watch the meeting below).
This change has come about as a direct result of the campaigning activity Class Divide has undertaken since 2019 to create a fairer and more inclusive school system that closes the gaps in attainment between children in Whitehawk and their counterparts in more affluent areas of the city.
“There is a problem in the city, not unique to the city, with outcomes for disadvantaged pupils. It was really well highlighted by the Class Divide podcast. I know a number of us listened to, and for me personally, somebody who went to Longhill, it told the story that I understood, living in the city and speaking personally when I left Longhill and went on to college and university.
You just noticed that your classmates from Longhill weren’t really coming with you in the same way that those from Stringer and Varndean were, and that’s no comment on Longhill as a school, which I love and care for and support.
But the truth is that children in certain parts of this city don’t get the outcomes and opportunities that other children do from more advantaged backgrounds, and that’s something that we really, really want to address as a council. This is one measure, This Is the starting point in that conversation. There’s lots of other things that we will need to consider, but I’m proud that we’re bringing it forward today and voting on it.”
There is now a six-week period of public consultation on the proposal and we need your help!
Class Divide support the proposal because:
Children eligible for Free School Meals will have more choice of secondary schools irrespective of what catchment area they live in.
All secondary schools in the city will teach at least the average percentage of pupils eligible for Free School Meals in the city, for example, 18% of Dorothy Stringer pupils are eligible for FSM and if this proposal is approved and implemented this will rise to at least 28% in 2025.
Research from America shows that having more socioeconomically integrated schools, rather than schools that are attended by mostly poor or mostly more affluent students, results in better educational outcomes for all and promote greater diversity in social relationships.
Schools with high proportions of children from low income families can struggle to attract the best qualified teachers and can have a high staff turnover, and this negatively impacts the learning of pupils.
We want Brighton and Hove to lead efforts to reduce education inequality and be a truly fair and inclusive city.
We understand that if implemented this proposal is not a magic bullet and more will need to be done to support low income families in education, for example: free home to school travel, making school uniform more affordable, and ensuring all schools welcome children from a range of different backgrounds.
However, we believe it is a very important first step.
How can you help us?
Attend one of the public meetings being held during the public consultation and speaking in favour of the proposal - see bottom of this page.
Talking to your friends and family about this change and encouraging them to take part in the consultation.
Writing to your local councillor and expressing support for the proposal.
Sharing your support for the proposal on social media - links to our social media are below.
And finally - CONNECT WITH US
If you are not already following us, you can find us on X @divideclass, on Instagram, our website, podcast and newsletter.
Thank you once again for being a crucial part of this incredible journey. Together, we are making a lasting impact on the lives of students, families, and communities affected by education inequality in Brighton and Hove.
