There was a ‘robust and lengthy’ meeting between representatives of Kings Bromley parents and headteacher and governors of Fair Oak School, Rugeley which lasted over 2 hours starting at 3pm yesterday (Friday 4th February).

Michael Fabricant had called the meeting (held at the School) because parents of children attending the Richard Crosse Church of England Primary School in Kings Bromley do not want their children to be forced to attend Fair Oak School in Rugeley. Paul Till, a Kings Bromley parent, gave a presentation outlining pupil numbers from Kings Bromley and explaining that most of their children’s friends and neighbours attend the John Taylor High School in Barton under Needwood and that it would "split the village" if some children were now made to attend Fair Oak. He asked the Governors and Headteacher, David Johnson, if they would let Kings Bromley go from the official catchment area of the School as the headteacher of John Taylor had said he would take on the catchment area provided that it was released first by Fair Oak.

This will now be considered by the full meeting of the Board of Governors of Fair Oak School. In the meantime, Michael Fabricant will ask Staffordshire County Council to undertake a fullscale review of all school catchment areas throughout the whole of Staffordshire. He believes this will have the support of most schools in the area including Fair Oak.

"There needs to be this review. With John Prescott forcing major new housing developments throughout the County, some schools will be overloaded. But this review is unlikely to be completed in time to help children leaving Kings Bromley next year. So in the meantime, I hope that the Governors of Fair Oak School will recognise the strength of feeling of Kings Bromley and make this minor change to their own catchment area. In practice it will only affect two or three children a year, but it will stop the mental anguish of all parents and children in Kings Bromley who are worrying whether it will be they who are forced to attend the School against their will. I know that some parents have said they would rather move if this is to be the case. All this pain seems so unnecessary to me and I hope the Governors will show a little compassion over this matter", says Michael Fabricant.

"Whatever happens, I know that the parents are determined to fight for their freedom of choice over this. The village seems united. And they are right. The Government should allow parents the freedom to decide where to send their children provided spaces are available at the school. I know that spaces are available at John Taylor High School. The Governors of Fair Oak need now to make a compassionate decision".