More Medway children will get the chance to attend grammar schools, under changes to the admissions process.
The new arrangements, which were approved by Medway Council’s Cabinet on Tuesday, 19 December, will come into place in May, ready for those due to start secondary school in the 2025/2026 academic year.
The new admissions system includes a revised Medway Test, and a greater proportion of Medway’s pupils being assessed as suitable for a grammar school place.
The current review process for unsuccessful applicants will be removed, but more pupils will be assessed as achieving a pass on test day, therefore increasing the intake to grammar schools from pupils resident in Medway and local surrounding areas.
Changes to the test are designed to create a fairer and more contemporary assessment of abilities, and follow a review of testing conducted by Medway Council in conjunction with the grammar schools.
The test will now include an English test, maths test, and reasoning test; replacing the old system which comprised of a writing test, maths and non-verbal reasoning test, and verbal skills test.
Under the new scheme, the window for registering for the test will be brought forward, opening from mid-May and closing in mid-June, giving families and schools more time to submit requests and make arrangements for children who have special educational needs. The tests themselves will take place in September.
A brilliant opportunity
Tracy Coombs, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Education, said: “The new system is a brilliant opportunity for children across Medway. Not only will it give more pupils the chance to get into grammar school, it will also improve the fairness of assessment, meaning it will be less easy for academically able pupils to slip through the net.
“We shouldn’t forget that grammar schools aren’t necessarily the best route for all pupils, and there are many gifted and able children across Medway whose educational needs and future careers are better served by many of our other fantastic schools and academies. There are a wide range of schools in Medway which will help all pupils achieve their full potential. Good luck to everyone taking the new test, but remember there are many other opportunities beyond academia.”
Medway Council consulted on changes to the admissions scheme between 2 October and 10 November 2023, inviting responses from all Medway schools, neighbouring local authorities, the Medway Parent/Carer Forum and members of public.
Visit www.Medway.gov.uk/Schools for more information on schools in Medway.
In either case, this will give more Medway pupils the opportunity to attend a Medway grammar school.