Schoolgirl 'snubbed' by new academy

A schoolgirl is penning a protest letter to the Government's head of schools complaining how she has been snubbed by the new Langley Academy.

Samantha Stoneman, 11, must take two bus journeys to her new school in Burnham, leaving 15 of her school friends to study at the new science academy just two minutes from her home in Fox Road.

Samantha is writing to Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, to say she has ben 'let down' by the selection process.

Her father Martin Stomenan, 34, said: "What has happened to Samantha and other children is very cruel.

"The Governmet's promise of local schools for local kids is simply not happening. It is farcical. We could not live much closer to the academy."

Chirs Bowler, principal of the £33million academy, which replaced Langleywood School and opens in September, said last month there were 508 applications for 180 places and that most new arrivals live less than half a mile away.
He defended the 'fair banding' system this week, saying it gives preference to those living closest while 'ensuring a comprehensive ability intake'.

See this week's Slough Express for the full story.