Parents who campaigned against the new admissions process to secondary schools in 2002 have expressed their relief at changes which have been made.

Kent County Council (KCC) announced on Monday children can now sit the 11-plus whether they put a grammar school down as their first choice or not.

This is good news for Kent parents who were concerned when the admissions process was altered this year.

Under the old system, parents could choose both a grammar school and a comprehensive school.

If the pupil was unsuccessful in the 11-plus, they could go to the secondary school of their choice.

But under the new system published by the schools adjudicator in July, they could only choose one or the other so if the 11-plus did not go well, they would not know which secondary school they would end up in.

Following concerns from parents, the new system has been "modified" by the adjudicator so the 11-plus can be sat by all children regardless of whether a grammar school is their first, second or third preference.

The adjudicator has also extended the time in which parents have to make a decision about their child's education.

Mum Debbie Carter, who was concerned about her 10-year-old daughter Elizabeth not getting into the school of her choice, says she is pleased with the news.

Mrs Carter, 38, of Gibson Close, Northfleet, said: "This news has really put my mind at rest.

"It means Elizabeth now has the chance to sit the 11-plus, knowing that if she fails she can still get into her first choice of school.

"She will put Northfleet School for Girls down as her first choice and Gravesend Grammar School for Girls as her second choice."

And KCC's cabinet member for school organisation, Leyland Ridings, said: "It is important parents have as much information as possible from which to choose their child's secondary education.

"I am pleased this new procedure goes some way towards achieving this objective."

The new timetable starts on November 30 when parents must submit their completed preference forms to their child's primary school.

On December 20, non-selective schools (High and comprehensive) will inform parents who put their school down as first perefernce, whether thay have been successful in securing a place.

On January 10 and 11 children sit the 11-plus.

On February 28, grammar schools inform their first-preference applicants if they have secured a place. Parents are also offered their second and third preference schools.

Remaining grammar school places are available to children who passed the 11-plus but who were offered a non-selective school which was a higher preference.

October 23, 2001 11:00