News
Good news for school applicants
MOST Maidstone children have secured their first choice of second- ary school – and almost all of them one of their four preferences. This year, more children than ever applied for a place in a Kent second- ary school, with 18,797 applications received – an increase of more than 600 on last year. Despite the increase in applica-
tions, 363 more Kent children will get their first preference of second- ary school for September compared with last year, and more than 97% will receive anoffer from one of their four preferences. However, 428 will still have their
school allocated by Kent County Council – but the figure is a third less than the 641 last year. Roger Gough, KCC’s cabinet member for education, said: “Offi- cers have been hard at work to en- sure that there is enough capacity in Kent schools to cope with another year of increased applications. In spite of the challenge, 13,159 families will receive their first preference school and 1,840 their second. “The excellent work in Kent schools coupled with KCC deliver-
ing on its school place planning pro- vision, has meant 2016 will see the highest number of children securing their first preference school to date.” Cllr Gough commiserated with
those who did not receive their pre- ferred school but said therewas still time for things to change. “This is the first stage of the school allocation process and I would like to reassure parents that aKCCteam is on hand to help with any queries. Between now and September there will be movement through waiting lists and appeals process.” Parents have until March 17 to ac-
cept or refuse their offer and must lodge appeals by April 13. KCC will send out a second round of offers on April 29. The charity ChildLine has opened
its helplines to children worried about their allotted place. An NSPCC spokesman said: “Finding out that you haven’t got into the school of your choice means starting again in anewenvironment and having to make new friends. “ChildLine is there 24/7. Call and
speak to a counsellor on 0800 1111 or go to
www.childline.org.uk.”
downsmail.co.uk Vicar and wifemove on
AYLESFORD parishioners packed St Peter’s and St Paul’s Church to say thanks and farewell to their popular vicar, the Rev Chris van Straaten, who has left after eight years. He and his wife Kathy have
moved to east Yorkshire where he has taken up a new role as vicar of two parishes on the outskirts of Hull. His final Sunday service at
Aylesford included gifts and flowers fromthe congregation who later filled the Brassey Centre for a lunch party. The vicar said his family
could not have been happier in Aylesford, adding: “People have been amazingly kind and generous to us. It’s been wonderful to be part of a smallish community, in the church and more widely in Eccles and Aylesford. Even those who aren’t churchgoers have welcomed us openly. Our eight years here have been great fun.” Churchwarden Brenda Sladden said: “We have been so fortunate in
The Reverend Chris van Straaten with churchwarden Brenda Sladden
having Chris and Kathywith us for the past eight years and they have worked tirelessly throughout their stay. They will be greatly missed butwe all wish themwell for their future.”
Woman driver fails breath test ALEYBOURNE woman has been banned from driving for three years after pleading guilty to drink-driving. Pauline Gardiner (45) from Copsehill was stopped while driving a Renault Megane in Redhill, Wateringbury, and gave a breath test of 75mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mg. West Kent magistrates banned Gardiner from driving and she must also pay a £160 fine, £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.
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18 Malling March 2016
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