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. Cllr 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.”
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downsmail.co.uk Firewalkers help hospice
CROWDS gathered in Maidstone’s Jubilee Square to watch 50 brave fire walkers hotfoot it across 15ft of smouldering coals in aid of Heart of Kent Hospice. The event was hosted by Scott Bell, who holds two world records for
fire walking and is one of the country’s leading experts. It was sponsored by central heating and boiler installer Samsian Ltd, from Borough Green. Many of those
taking part in the challenge were walking in memory of loved ones and in recognition of the care that staff and volunteers at the hospice provide for those with a life-limiting illness and their families. Sarah Lawless, from Vinters Park, who has raised more than £400 in memory of her mum and mother-in-law who were both cared for by the hospice, said: “The fire walk was awesome. I was really anxious when I first arrived, but the training was brilliant and Scott put everyone at ease. I felt a great sense of achievement when I completed the walk and being able to say I did it in honour ofmy mum and mum-in-law. “I can never thank the hospice enough for the respect and dignity
they gavemymum at the end of her life.” More than £11,500 was raised by the evening, which drew a big crowd
of supporters and spectators, and more money is still pouring in. TomAbbott, events manager for Heart of Kent Hospice, said: “There
was a real buzz in the air as our intrepid walkers took on this huge challenge and made this a great night to remember.”
T.01622 201078
M.07854 529434
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