We’re asking for views on proposed changes to school admission arrangements in the city from September 2026.
The key proposals for secondary school admissions are to introduce an open admissions criterion and a specific change of catchment areas in the east of the city.
The aim is to further improve equality and fairness across the city’s schools. At present, some catchment areas include only one maintained school, while others include more than one. These proposals aim to introduce greater equity of choice.
There is also a need for action to reduce the Published Admission Numbers (PANs) in some of the city’s secondary schools to address the reduction in pupil numbers.
We are seeking views from pupils, parents and carers, school staff and governors, and the communities in and around Brighton & Hove.
The decision to go ahead with a consultation on the proposals was agreed at the Cabinet meeting on Thursday 5 December.
The proposals were drawn up following an initial engagement exercise on illustrative models earlier in the autumn and reflect the feedback received.
They include a proposal to clarify the Free School Meals criterion introduced earlier this year.
The proposed changes of the catchment areas cover pupils who live in the catchment areas for Longhill High, Dorothy Stringer and Varndean schools.
Other proposals include:
We’re also holding a number of events to discuss the proposals with residents. Details of all of these will be added to the Your Voice platform as they’re arranged.
The consultation is open until 31 January 2025.
Councillor Jacob Taylor, Deputy Leader of the Council, said: “The aim of these proposals is to tackle inequalities in the city and support all Brighton & Hove’s children and young people.
“We know opinions differ on how best to achieve that, which is why it was important to start the conversation early through the engagement exercise.
“These proposals have been drawn up following the responses we received through that exercise. We have listened and the feedback has steered our thinking.
“We also heard, and really welcome, the commitment of so many respondents to the idea of reducing inequalities in the city and raising attainment for all.
“We believe the 2 key proposals we’re putting forward can start to address the issue of inequality and fairness, while recognising the geography of the city.
“The consultation is another opportunity to explore the issues in detail and we want to hear from as many residents as possible. It’s important to repeat that no decisions have been made at this stage.
“Please do take the time read through the proposals and share your thoughts.”
All responses to the consultation will be fed into a final report on school admission arrangements which will be discussed by councillors in spring next year.
Any changes agreed would be introduced for the academic year beginning September 2026.