Letters to the Chronicle on the Sevenoaks Grammar School annexe decision

Dear Sir,

The long-awaited approval of a Sevenoaks grammar school is most welcome. But local and national Conservatives and other politicians must do more to help build new schools for pupils of all ages and social backgrounds.

There remains a severe under-provision of primary school places in Sevenoaks and surrounding villages, and with poor planning for population growth and new housing estates this shortage can only get worse.

Also Kent Conservative county councillors should urgently restore the travel to school costs whose removal has badly affected many local pupils and parents, resulting in severe financial hardship. This could be compounded by proposed cuts in working tax credits for families by Chancellor George Osborne, against their election manifesto promises.

Fortunately the increased pupil premium payments and free primary school meals Lib Dem ministers and MPs achieved in government will continue to benefit future generations.

Yours,

Dr Alan Bullion

Former Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate for Sevenoaks



Dear Editor

I welcome more secondary school places in Sevenoaks , but regret the loss of opportunities for boys to more academic education.

It is hard on parents that their boys' needs keep being ignored.

If the rules on Grammar school provision are to be amended then why not make it a mixed school for any of our local children. It works well at Knole Academy for girls and boys of all abilities and interests to study together.

I want all children to be able to learn and develop in excellent institutions near to their homes. There can then be more support from the local community.

WHY is that so difficult?

Regards, Cllr. Merilyn Canet

29c Holly Bush Lane

Sevenoaks TN13 3TJ

01732 461397