Schools' upgrading goes to government

A SCHEME to upgrade two Dover secondary schools to take on sixth form pupils has been approved by Kent County Council.

The final decision for Astor and Archers Court now lies in the hands of Gillian Shephard, Education Secretary.

The Express reported last week on a row which erupted as a result of the proposal to upgrade the schools officially from 'high ability' (pupils aged 11-16) to 'wide ability' so that they can take pupils up to 18.

The plans were slammed by the headteaehers of the boys' and girls' grammar schools in Dover.

They fear the plans may dilute the academic excellence grammars provide and will confuse parents. 'Wide ability' schools cater for students of all abilities, including those selected for grammar.

Astor already offers 25 A level courses and is 'wide ability' in all but name, while Archers Court currently runs 12 A level courses.

It is not known how long it will be before the Education Secretary makes her decision, but the schools hope their upgrading will take effect from September next year.

A KCC spokesman said: "There are quite a number of schools who have been waiting for approval for several months." Applications for the official seal of approval was provisionally approved by the council in March followed by a public consultation which showed parents to be in favour of the scheme.